Support Sherre Bechtold's Lung Transplant Journey

Our dear friend and coworker is facing the most difficult time of her life.

Sherre Bechtold (Beach), a life long resident of Willow Street PA and graduate of Lampeter Strasburg HS has been a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) for 38 years. She has cared for so many senior citizens over the years … ALWAYS putting them first. As expressed in a greeting card about friendship … the perfect description of Sherre …

FRIENDSHIP

– when I need someone to listen to me, I know you will

When I need support, I know you’ll be there

When I need a hug or a smile, I can always count on you.

As I search for the right words to express … I realize that what I really want is to thank you for being in my life … and to tell you that you are a wonderful person and a wonderful friend.

Yep, that’s Sherre. And now she needs us to listen, support, smile and hug her.

Like so many of us, she was perfectly healthy when she got COVID in 2021, at the age of 52. Although there is no definitive proof that her subsequent breathing/health issues are related to COVID, the timing coincides.

Over the past 3 years, she has had numerous surgeries and multiple bouts with serious heart problems. On August 10th, she had a heart catheterization followed by 2 weeks recuperating at home. On September 12th, she was back in the hospital. After many, many tests, she was told on September 20th that she needed a lung transplant. She was transferred to a specialty hospital in Philadelphia. There she had more tests to see if she qualified for the lung transplant. On October 3rd she had a right ventricular assist device placed and on the 7th, another heart catheterization.

And just the next day, Tuesday, October 8th, she and Andy received the good news from the doctors … she qualified and was now on the wait list for new lungs.

Today, October 14th they were told “Lungs are here”. and surgery was scheduled for 3pm this afternoon. At the time of this post she is prepped and awaiting the surgery. Thank God !!!

This serious health issue has prevented both Sherre and her dear husband Andy from being able to work on a regular basis. Hence, they have been unable to depend on a regular income for three years. Recuperation from this lung transplant is LONG and arduous.

Any contribution to help offset the excessive medical expenses would be deeply appreciated.