The Reya Rose Lung Transplant Fundraiser
https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/gok9q3
Hello world!
My name is Reya Rose Prabhala Wolfe and I am in need of a lung transplant.
I was born with an incredibly rare genetic condition called CHILD (CHildhood Interstitial Lung Disease). Yeah I didn’t know what it was either when they told us. Basically one of my genes that is responsible for helping my body utilize a substance called surfactant isn’t working right. Surfactant is super important for allowing my lungs to take in oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide. My body produces surfactant but I just can’t use it well, making it impossible for me to breath without the help of machines. 
My doctors have tried all the medical interventions possible with some mild, temporary improvements but nothing sustained. My team at Children's National in Washington DC have recommended that since the medications and therapies aren't working well, receiving a lung transplant is my best option at this point.
The best place to receive a lung transplant for someone my age (4 months!) is in...wait for it....Houston, Texas! I know, I'll be a southern belle in no time. They perform 3-4 infant lung transplants per year and I am hoping to be one of them.
While my insurance is going to pay for a percentage of my medical care, there are still going to be a lot of out of pocket expenses for my parents Nithya and Tim. These expenses include but are not limited to the move (VA to TX), new housing, transportation, food, medications and day to day living costs. My dad is still able to work from home but my mom has had to leave her job as a pediatric emergency room nurse to make the move to Texas.
We are starting this fundraiser because life threw us a big curve ball but we are willing to take a swing.
Taking that swing is a big emotional, mental, physical and financial decision for my family. The last thing I want my parents worrying about while we're all going through this is their financial security. People always say raising a child takes a village and that has never been more true than right now. My parents might be physically far away from our extended families and friends back home but that doesn't mean they are unsupported. A lot of people want to know what they can do to help us and at this point, donating and sending positive thoughts and prayers that the transplant and my medications will work is all that can really be done. 
Please donate as you are able. We set a lofty goal because receiving a lung transplant for anyone, let alone someone as small as me, is not an easy, simple or quick task. Every single dollar makes a difference for us to make a successful and less financially stressful transition to Texas and hopefully through to the outpatient world with a new set of lungs. Thank you for taking the time to read about me and for your positive thoughts. My family and I appreciate it more than you know.
With gratitude and love
Reya Rose Prabhala Wolfe
You can read more about my genetic disorder here
https://child-foundation.org/what-is-child/child-disorders/surfactant-mutations/
You can read about Texas Children's Hospital- Houston here
https://www.texaschildrens.org/departments/lung-transplant/reasons-lung-transplant