Last August, I went with my mother to a doctor’s appointment that changed our lives. We were told that she had a terminal lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, that had progressed rapidly and she likely had 18-24 months to live. We were both heartbroken hearing this news.

Mom tried to continue living on her own, but as her condition worsened, she decided it would be best to move in with me. In June of this year, we moved my mom in with us, and by July, she needed more care and was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital.

While going through the transplant work-up, a lesion was found on her lung that is believed to be cancerous. This finding unfortunately took my mother, Carolyn, out of the listing process here at MGH.

The transplant pulmonologists at MGH  told us about the DREAM program at Northwestern in Chicago. It was a glimmer of hope in our darkest time. 

Today, my mom was approved for transfer and will be heading to Chicago for further care.

We are still praying hard that she is accepted onto their transplant list and will receive the gift of life.

Up to this point, I have spent a significant amount of money moving my mom in with me, adapting my home, and covering hospital visit expenses like gas and parking (parking alone is about $400 monthly). 

Now that she is transferring to Northwestern, I have a whole new set of expenses coming my way. I will have to minimize some of my work in order to be there for my mom.

Donations will be used for airfare, childcare, and other transportation/ living expenses in Chicago. 

 I will be flying to Chicago with my mom and will have to stay there for an extended period of time after her transplant. (Summary of basic estimated expenses below). 

Other expenses may come up as time moves forward.

Any donation is appreciated.

A huge thank you to everyone at MGH, especially the lung transplant team and the care team on White 9. You are truly angels on earth. We love you.

Estimated monthly expenses during our Chicago journey (estimated 1 year) 

• Flights $1,200/ month 
• Airport-hotel Transport (uber/ Lyft) $800/ month 
• Hotel accommodations for pre- transplant stays $2,400/ month 
• Long term Airbnb post transplant $3,500 / month 
• Additional childcare $400/ month
• Loss of income while out of state  $2,000/ month 

Love, 

Kayla & Carolyn