Bridgette Bentley is a dedicated single mother of three and a passionate community advocate, teacher and school administrator who has been with Virginia public schools for 19 years.

In June 2023, Bridgette was diagnosed with aggressive Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Lung Disease, which quickly dropped her lung function and requires her to be on constant oxygen. Bridgette has been listed for a bilateral lung transplant at the University of Virginia Medical Center. We are praying the call comes soon, as there have been two unsuccessful attempts.

The transplant journey is extensive and costly:

-The surgery requires an immediate 2-hour trip from Roanoke, VA to Charlottesville, VA.

-Post-surgery, Bridgette must remain near the hospital for three months.

-Total recovery is estimated at one year.

Due to years of illness, Bridgette has minimal sick leave and no short-term disability. While insurance covers some medical costs, she needs help covering essential living expenses during the mandatory three-month stay. Leading up to surgery there are still appointments, rehab, and medications, plus the oxygen, that eat way at funds already collected. All money raised will go to current medical bills as well as the future surgery and post-surgery recovery.

Bridgette founded The Bentley Foundation to manage fundraising for her immediate needs, with an ultimate goal to help other families facing similar burdens. Our goal is to raise $50,000 which covers the bare minimum and only basic expenses for 12 months ($4000 a month x 12 months). Every single dollar donated makes a huge difference and we appreciate your generosity! Please partner with the foundation to give Bridgette the peace of mind she needs to focus entirely on her life-saving recovery.