Donation protected
Earlier this year in August, my dear friend Ryan Pickering received earth-shattering news that his body is rejecting the lung transplant that he received almost 7 years ago at the age of 24. Since August, Ryan has undergone rigorous testing and was evaluated to be put back on the transplant list in order to survive. A few days ago, he received the best news of his life followed by the worst: he is the perfect transplant candidate, but unfortunately they do not have the finances to cover the post-surgery care including anti-rejection medication costs, copays, and other out of pocket medical expenses. Until he can show proof of these funds, he has been deferred from being placed on the transplant list.
Ryan’s breathing has exponentially declined over the past few months. While his left lung is completely “dead” his right lung is fighting the rejection and declining daily. Imagine doing routine things while breathing through a coffee stirrer.
Ryan is oxygen dependent 24 hours a day, but as his numbers drop, that will simply not be enough. Ryan is an incredible husband to Emilie, father to Charlie, Rylie, and Benjamin and friend to anyone lucky enough to know him. He is truly the most positive person I have ever met and wholeheartedly lives each day to the fullest. Ryan is no longer able to work due to his condition and his amazing wife Emilie has been managing a tremendous amount of emotional and financial stress. The news came two days before Emilie went into preterm labor with their third child. Benjamin spent several weeks in the NICU before coming home, which was another huge medical expense they’re overcoming. Every penny will go toward seeing the Pickering’s through this difficult time and anything extra will be paid forward to others in need.
This holiday season, out of the millions of gifts you could put under the tree, please consider giving the most precious gift of all to this family – the opportunity for the gift of life. Anything you can spare would mean the absolute world to this precious family and we are forever grateful for your thoughts, prayers, and generosity.
With love and gratitude,
Virginia
Ryan’s breathing has exponentially declined over the past few months. While his left lung is completely “dead” his right lung is fighting the rejection and declining daily. Imagine doing routine things while breathing through a coffee stirrer.
Ryan is oxygen dependent 24 hours a day, but as his numbers drop, that will simply not be enough. Ryan is an incredible husband to Emilie, father to Charlie, Rylie, and Benjamin and friend to anyone lucky enough to know him. He is truly the most positive person I have ever met and wholeheartedly lives each day to the fullest. Ryan is no longer able to work due to his condition and his amazing wife Emilie has been managing a tremendous amount of emotional and financial stress. The news came two days before Emilie went into preterm labor with their third child. Benjamin spent several weeks in the NICU before coming home, which was another huge medical expense they’re overcoming. Every penny will go toward seeing the Pickering’s through this difficult time and anything extra will be paid forward to others in need.
This holiday season, out of the millions of gifts you could put under the tree, please consider giving the most precious gift of all to this family – the opportunity for the gift of life. Anything you can spare would mean the absolute world to this precious family and we are forever grateful for your thoughts, prayers, and generosity.
With love and gratitude,
Virginia
Co-organizers (3)
Virginia Mack
Organizer
Boca Raton, FL
Ryan Pickering
Beneficiary
Emilie Pickering
Co-organizer