Shari Howell - Double Lung Transplant Surgery at BWH

Dear Family & Friends,

Many of you may know that Shari Howell has been struggling with chronic COPD that has been progressing for many years. Shari was first diagnosed with COPD in 2008 and despite her debilitating illness, she and her husband Dick devoted themselves to raising their children, Josh and Ashley. They also continued to work hard at their jobs and helped to maintain the family farm property in Whitefield. Shari and Dick still live on the Howell family farm property, and now they devote themselves to spending time with their 5 grandsons who live across the street and across the way from them. What lucky boys! If you have had the pleasure of meeting Shari and Dick, you know without question that their work ethic, love, and devotion to family are unsurpassed. Ever helpful to family, friends, and neighbors; Shari and Dick now need our help.

Because Shari’s COPD had progressed significantly, in early 2023 she began the arduous process of evaluation for double lung transplant candidacy at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) in Boston, Massachusetts. Shari was accepted after many months of appointments, tests, evaluations, and hospital stays; all requiring trips to Boston. Recently, Shari was called to Boston as a backup patient for a set of lungs that became available. That set of lungs was deemed not viable, but friends, we are infinitely grateful that Shari was called to BWH again last night, and she underwent surgery today, April 21, 2024 for the new set of lungs she desperately needs.

Please help us support Shari and Dick by making a donation today. Any amount that you are able to give will be greatly appreciated and will help ease the burden of the tremendous medical and related travel expenses that they will continue to face associated with Shari’s lung transplant surgery and the lengthy recovery process that will follow. Please note that the cost of a double lung transplant procedure typically exceeds $1 million including medical expenses, travel costs and lost wages. The average recovery period, which will include numerous trips to Boston, is 3 to 6 months.

With heartfelt gratitude and deepest appreciation,

Cathi Howell

On Behalf of Shari’s Family & Support Team Members

GoFundMe Team Members: