Double Lung Transplant
Donation protected
As many as you know, Brad Gardner underwent a bilateral lung transplant October 14th. Brad is 21 years old and has been battling Cystic Fibrosis since birth. His daily medical regimen includes multiple breathing treatments, enzyme medication to help with the digestion of food, vest therapy, and other medications. This medical treatment takes hours out of his daily life and yet, he rarely complains. Actually, I don’t think I have ever heard him complain. Brad also has had frequent doctor appointments with multiple doctors and countless hospital stays.
Brad’s Family
Cystic Fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that predominantly effects the lungs and digestive system. His body produces thick sticky mucus that decreases lung function, inhibits nutrient absorption and puts Brad at a higher risk for infection. Most patients with Cystic Fibrosis in their life time will need to undergo a bilateral lung transplant due to the havoc the disease causes to their lungs.
Brads outlook on life has always been a determined and positive one. He has overcame all obstacles that have been placed in front of him, including his latest lung transplant. As a young child Brad was told that he would need to have an internal feeding tube placed or insert a nasal gastric tube in order for his body to receive enough nutrients to be able to keep up with his major growth spurt. Brad’s response was “It will have to be the nightly nasal tube, otherwise I can’t play football”. Brad has always found a way to keep up with his love for the outdoors including running cross county, fishing, hunting, water sports and more. He has a love for animals and his family is very important to him. There isn’t a more determined person I have met and he continuously surprises us with his “I can” attitude instead of hiding behind the limitations of the disease.
On October 8th Brad was listed on the lung transplant list due to the declining state of his lung function and health. Brad had been in the hospital for two weeks when on October 14th at 10 am, he received a call with an offer for a new pair of lungs. Although we were not all ready for this major event, Brad was ready. He was wheeled back for surgery that same night.
Overall the 10 hour surgery went great. Right now he’s taking it day by day, with 2 steps forward 1 step back. Brad and his family are facing the uphill climb of recovery along with all the new rules he must learn and follow due to his immunosuppression to keep his body from rejecting his new lungs.
Unfortunately, there are many things that are not covered during this recovery time. The countless hours and nights spent at the hospital far from home, medical expenses not covered, travel, food, and other related expenses. Brad and his family will also be required to find housing close to the hospital in Madison, for additional weeks, to ensure that he does well outside of the hospital setting.
We would love to help lessen the burden and mounting costs that they face during this long recovery period. Any help with easing the financial stress during this difficult time would be greatly appreciated. Please continue to pray and send well wishes Brad’s way!
Thank you for all your continued support!
Much Love, TEAM BRAD!
Brad’s FamilyCystic Fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that predominantly effects the lungs and digestive system. His body produces thick sticky mucus that decreases lung function, inhibits nutrient absorption and puts Brad at a higher risk for infection. Most patients with Cystic Fibrosis in their life time will need to undergo a bilateral lung transplant due to the havoc the disease causes to their lungs.
Brads outlook on life has always been a determined and positive one. He has overcame all obstacles that have been placed in front of him, including his latest lung transplant. As a young child Brad was told that he would need to have an internal feeding tube placed or insert a nasal gastric tube in order for his body to receive enough nutrients to be able to keep up with his major growth spurt. Brad’s response was “It will have to be the nightly nasal tube, otherwise I can’t play football”. Brad has always found a way to keep up with his love for the outdoors including running cross county, fishing, hunting, water sports and more. He has a love for animals and his family is very important to him. There isn’t a more determined person I have met and he continuously surprises us with his “I can” attitude instead of hiding behind the limitations of the disease.
On October 8th Brad was listed on the lung transplant list due to the declining state of his lung function and health. Brad had been in the hospital for two weeks when on October 14th at 10 am, he received a call with an offer for a new pair of lungs. Although we were not all ready for this major event, Brad was ready. He was wheeled back for surgery that same night.
Overall the 10 hour surgery went great. Right now he’s taking it day by day, with 2 steps forward 1 step back. Brad and his family are facing the uphill climb of recovery along with all the new rules he must learn and follow due to his immunosuppression to keep his body from rejecting his new lungs.
Unfortunately, there are many things that are not covered during this recovery time. The countless hours and nights spent at the hospital far from home, medical expenses not covered, travel, food, and other related expenses. Brad and his family will also be required to find housing close to the hospital in Madison, for additional weeks, to ensure that he does well outside of the hospital setting.
We would love to help lessen the burden and mounting costs that they face during this long recovery period. Any help with easing the financial stress during this difficult time would be greatly appreciated. Please continue to pray and send well wishes Brad’s way!
Thank you for all your continued support!
Much Love, TEAM BRAD!
Organizer and beneficiary
Debby Wilson
Organizer
Spring Grove, IL
Bradley Gardner
Beneficiary