Hi everyone my name is Vanessa and I am raising funds to help my dad (Joe). Anyone who truly knows me, know that I am 100% a daddy's girl, he is one of my favorite people in the world, second only to my daughter. My dad is honestly just a good man, honest, loving and loyal to a fault! He's an amazing man, husband, father and papa! Well the past couple of years we have been through the wringer with dads health. He has been diagnosed with both kidney disease, and Interstitial lung disease. After reviewing and going to doctors visits as required, things were looking like we were set for a while, well, this last week we were hit with another whammy. Joe was not feeling well this past Sunday, so my mom opted to take him to the ER, that night he was admitted, thinking he had pneumonia - which with someone with his diminished lung function isn't good - but we honestly thought it would be a couple of days, some rest and he would be back to his old self. That was not the case. Unfortunately what we were thinking was just pneumonia was actually his disease progressing, his wonderful doctor down at National Jewish in Denver has since reached out, and let my dad know it is time for a lung transplant, however with his current kidney function they have to do both transplants at the same time. We found out Friday that they were looking to transport him to Phoenix within 48 hours, and we have set that transport to happen tomorrow. That said we have to pre-pay for the med-evac, they will then reach out to the insurance company. In the meantime we will also need some help for my mom to find a place to live in Phoenix within a 1 hour drive (or less) of the hospital for his recovery. We are looking to cover the cost of his flight down, and recovery living expense (which is obviously not covered by insurance). Any help would be greatly appreciated! Lets get my parents to Phoenix - and then home!

*Update! Dad got to Pheonix last night! Starting today they are going to be running all kinds of tests and be able to review them with the transplant team on Friday. My siblings, mom and I want to thank everyone who has donated so far! We are so greatful! We are so amazed by the generosity and the outpouring of love we've seen! We will keep everyone updated as much as we can!*

**UPDATE:

Dad had a little hiccup this past Monday and had a major internal bleed. They never did find the place of origin of the bleeding but he ended up loosing 8L of blood and had to have his chest opened back up, multiple transfusions, and went into cardiac arrest while they stabilized him. His body seems to have sealed up the bleed on its own, didn’t result in any damage to either of the transplant organs, and his brain and cognition seem unaffected (thank God). However, his heart is still so swollen from all the blood transfusions and fluids that they haven’t been able to close his chest back up yet. They were hopeful to have been able to do so yesterday but upon examination they said his left side of his heart needed more time so they are waiting another 48 hours.

All that said, he is stable but still sedated. Please continue to keep he and my mom in your prayers as their timeline has obviously been delayed a bit. This has been such an emotional roller coaster for our whole family, especially my poor mama, but despite how hard it has seemed to face each new day and its challenges, I am humbled but this man’s strength and his will to live. Our ongoing support is the least we can do to keep his spirits up. Knowing he has so many supporters all across the country has elevated my spirits and I know he feels your prayers. Please join us in praying that God continues to give him the strength he needs and the support though all of us to make it through. Philippians 4:13—“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

THANK YOU! **