My name is Azure Burrell and I am a lifelong family friend of the Thurber family. As many of you know, Rocky, a wonderful husband, father and papa is currently suffering from stage 4 chronic COPD and emphysema. He and his family recently received the amazing news that he is finally on the waitlist for a bilateral lung transplant. This transplant will be a second chance at life, and allow Rocky to be able to play with his nine grandchildren and live the next chapter of his life to the fullest with his loving wife and family.

Rocky has been the sole income provider for the Thurber family and his wife Linda has spent the last 7 years caregiving for her mother who has late-stage Alzheimer's. Having been employed by the State of Washington's LNI department for 17 years and an avid motorcycle safety instructor in Bellingham for 10 years, Rocky has worked tirelessly to ensure his family is well taken care of. In March, Linda's mother moved into a memory care facility and they as a family received word that Rocky's opportunity at a new lease on life would become a reality when he was officially added to the transplant list. With the surgery taking place at UW Medical Center, in Seattle, and with a lengthy post-op period, it has become clear that the Thurber family will need to relocate closer to Seattle to ensure Rocky has access to his post-op appointments.

Due to the exceeding costs of medical care in addition to the distance (roughly 2 hours one way), it has become clear that the Thurber Family will need the support of our community to make all of this happen. We are aiming to raise funds to assist with out-of-pocket medical expenses, moving costs and funds to help sustain them as we transition into this new chapter. All support including prayers, sharing this post and donations are greatly appreciated.