To Breathe is to Live-Knowing That Each Breath is God's Will to Survive!

Teresa Brown, also known as Mommy, MiMi, Aunt Reese, Mrs. Brown, and Tee, is a pillar of our community who consistently demonstrates the love of Christ by uplifting our family and community; now it is our turn to unite and support her. Those close to our family may be aware of some of the private challenges that Teresa has faced throughout the years, including sarcoidosis of the lungs which was diagnosed in her senior year of college. Additionally, the more recent diagnoses are interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, mycobacterium avium complex, bronchiectasis, and multiple bouts of pneumonia and other lung infections which have required a few extended hospitalizations in 2025. The compounding devastation of these diseases have significantly deteriorated her lung function and quality of life. She now requires continuous oxygen support to perform simple activities of daily living. As we have prayed and worked with her healthcare team, it has been determined that a double-lung transplant will be the most viable option to offer relief from required oxygen support and hope to regain the quality of life that she once cherished.

Teresa once enjoyed a life that was not egocentric, but one that was characterized by empathy and a desire to improve her community. Her daughters can recall countless times when she gave selflessly and taught the importance of kindness through example and demonstration. For instance, there was an elderly couple who lived on a rural road near Teresa’s neighborhood, and they did not have air conditioning in their mobile home, as temperatures were well into the 90s. Teresa was genuinely concerned for the health and well-being of this couple, so she loaded up one of her fans and delivered it to them. The couple expressed their gratefulness for a breeze of relief from the heat. Teresa’s compassionate heart reaches to the most vulnerable and disenfranchised among us, from the elderly to women and children. She devoted many years to the Women’s Ministry and Outreach at her church, but her love for people spanned far beyond the walls of the sanctuary. Teresa also mentored a young woman who had survived domestic violence and lost her children due to drug use. On the woman’s road to sobriety, Teresa would often pick her up for church on Sunday mornings and made sure that the young woman had clothes for court and job interviews as she worked towards regaining custody of her children. She was also a mentor for pre-teens and adolescents who were facing the court system.

Teresa Brown is an advocate and an ally. As a teacher, she spent countless hours making sure that her students had the correct educational plans and resources for their individual needs, a fight that is never easy. Every year, she would spend her own earnings to ensure that each student had the supplies needed to have a rewarding and engaging learning experience. None of her students ever went without a coat, shoes, gloves, or food if she knew there was a need.

The demands of dealing with her multiple lung conditions hampered her ability to continue to demonstrate God's love for His people in the manner in which she did for so many years; however, a double-lung transplant may allow her to once again live a fulfilling and beautiful life, without the constant support of oxygen. We believe in a God of miracles and understand that sometimes He chooses to work through the hands of talented surgeons. Our faith is unwavering, and we know that no work is too big for God!

The costs of this double-lung transplant and life-saving surgery are exorbitant, nearing $1.3-2.3 million, which does not include the additional living expenses that are accumulating. Furthermore, there will be an intensive path of rehabilitation and therapy post-surgery that will require even more health professionals and, subsequently, more bills.

As Teresa and our family put our trust in God and His will, we ask that you join us in prayer and uplift her with benevolence, love, and humanity as she has done for our community. If you are able, please consider sponsoring Teresa by contributing to her Medical GoFundMe. We realize that many families are enduring their own struggles in these challenging times and are grateful for your willingness to give. We are so appreciative of your support and thank you for taking the time to read her story.

If Teresa has positively impacted or influenced your life or someone you know in any manner, please share with us in the comments section.

Thank you again,

The Family

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 (NIV)