James Mark Weatherly, or Peachy, as most may know him, was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) roughly 10 months ago.  This is a disease of unknown origin that effects a person’s lungs, preventing them from being able to properly distribute oxygen to the rest of the body.  While the cause of this disease may not be known, its results are irreversible and eventually fatal.  There is no known cure or treatment.  The only real option for treatment is a lung transplant.  Over the course of these past few months, Peachy’s lungs have been deteriorating rapidly.  He of course has stood strong through this endeavor, ever-present with a smile and a laugh.  The big, bubbly laugh is still there, it just ends with a slight cough as his lungs can’t quite muster it all out.  Peach and Becky have been living in Las Vegas for several years.  Two weeks ago, they travelled to Phoenix Arizona to do a long series of tests to ensure Peachy could qualify for a lung transplant.  As the testing progressed, Peachy felt more and more weak and strained, eventually leading to a late-night trip to the ER.  As it turned out, his lungs were hit with a crippling blow.  IPF can at times have what’s referred to as a flare-up.  These flare-ups exacerbate the illness, causing an even more rapid deterioration of the lung tissue.  Unfortunately, that late-night trip turned into permanent residency at the hospital for Peachy.  His lungs have simply weakened too much at this point to allow him to leave.  He can still talk and smile, but that cough comes a bit quicker when he laughs now.  On Friday, March 31st Peachy got approval for a lung transplant.  This is fantastic news.  To all of those that have been hoping and praying for this we deeply appreciate it; however, the journey is far from over and Peachy’s life will forever be altered.  He is on the transplant list but has yet to receive lungs.  The doctors are confident the wait will not be long.  Typically, for lungs, the wait is days to weeks as opposed to months.  Once the lungs arrive the transplant process will take 4-6 hours.  Peach and Becky will need to stay in Phoenix for at least 3-months after surgery for recovery.  Peachy will also be on over 20 different anti-rejection and anti-infection medications for the remainder of his life.

We are asking for donations to help cover the cost of living expenses during Peach and Becky’s stay at Phoenix.  Becky will be the primary caregiver during the recovery stage and will not be working.  In addition to standard living expenses they will need to cover the cost of an apartment in Phoenix as well as their home in Las Vegas.  Any amount you can give would be greatly appreciated.  Please feel free to share any memorable stories you may have as well.  Give if you can, but most importantly, we ask that you please keep Peachy in your prayers.  Pray that the healing hand of the Lord not only provides lungs but also a swift and full recovery to Peachy so that we may once again hear that bellowing laugh.

Thank you and God bless.