Something that no child wants to face is to see their hero and rock decline in health in a matter of only a few years. My name is Kayla, and my hero and rock is my dad, Kim.

My dad is the man I look up to and share everything with. He has taught me everything I need to know to be the independent woman I am today. He has been my strength and wisdom in difficult times, and I would be lost without him. My dad is now facing the challenge of needing a double lung transplant.

My dad suffers from COPD and emphysema. Emphysema is a lung disease where the inner walls of the lung's air sacs (alveoli) are damaged, causing them to rupture eventually. Bullaes are formed in the areas of the lung entirely damaged by the disease; these air pockets are where a bulla grows; it takes up space in the chest cavity and can encroach on the lungs. COPD is a lung disease that blocks airflow and makes it difficult to breathe. Both cause damage to the lungs that cannot be reversed.

Because of COPD and emphysema my dad's health has dramatically declined over the past few years. He went from being extremely mobile and doing everything a man of the house should do; cutting grass, doing minor repairs to the home, and working a stable job to put food on the table to his lung health significantly declining to the point that he could no longer do those things around the house, could no longer work and is on oxygen 24/7.

His health has gotten to the point where the best option for him is to have a double lung transplant. My dad has met with a team at Cleveland Clinic and has been placed on the transplant list. He is the strongest person I know; he has fought through so much and done everything possible for me. Because of this, I want to do all I can to support his need for a double lung transplant.

I am starting this go fund me to ease the stress of medical expenses on my dad. The last thing he needs to worry about is how he will pay for this procedure while trying to remain as healthy as possible to have new lungs and a chance at a healthier life. Over the next few months, he will need to establish funds for his new lungs, a place to rent close to the hospital for 6 to 8 months while he recovers and funds for all his medical appointments following his transplant and new medications.

My dad has done so much for me and has supported me through anything I wanted to do. This go fund me is my way of supporting him! Please share this link with your family and friends. If you can donate, any amount helps!

Thank you so much for your support! - Kayla