Hope for Olijah Mckinney Lung Transplant Fund
Donation protected
In 2012, Olijah McKinney kept talking about a pain in his back. We went to the ER several times and were sent home several times. Finally, he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma; a rare childhood cancer. Long ordeal made short – Olijah fought the dreadful cancer and came out victorious in June 2013. Olijah is now cancer free, yes!!!
However, the various forms of treatment have taken on toll. In May 2018, we noticed difficulties with Olijah’s breathing. Simple task such as walking home from the bus stop to even drinking water would cause shortness of breath. He was unable to run or play. Turns out, he has scarring on both lungs. The scar tissue prevents for the lungs from expanding/contracting properly. His diagnosis is Pulmonary Fibrosis. There is no cure. Olijah needs double lung transplants. While we wait for transplant approval, Olijah is wearing a machine to help him breath. The Biphasic Curiass Ventilator acts like a suction cup on his chest to pull the chest diaphragm up and then pressure to collapse the chest.
Right now, he remains in Egleston Children Hospital in Atlanta, GA. The family is looking to receive further treatment in Houston, Texas. The stay will be of minimum stay of 8-9 months. The cost of double lung transplants is approximately $500,000.
Olijah is filled with life and brings so much joy to others. He does not hold back. He tells his dad, “I’m a big boy now, you know I can handle it.”
It is crunch time for 10-year-old Olijah. We appreciate your prayers and donations.
Love you all,
The Family
However, the various forms of treatment have taken on toll. In May 2018, we noticed difficulties with Olijah’s breathing. Simple task such as walking home from the bus stop to even drinking water would cause shortness of breath. He was unable to run or play. Turns out, he has scarring on both lungs. The scar tissue prevents for the lungs from expanding/contracting properly. His diagnosis is Pulmonary Fibrosis. There is no cure. Olijah needs double lung transplants. While we wait for transplant approval, Olijah is wearing a machine to help him breath. The Biphasic Curiass Ventilator acts like a suction cup on his chest to pull the chest diaphragm up and then pressure to collapse the chest.
Right now, he remains in Egleston Children Hospital in Atlanta, GA. The family is looking to receive further treatment in Houston, Texas. The stay will be of minimum stay of 8-9 months. The cost of double lung transplants is approximately $500,000.
Olijah is filled with life and brings so much joy to others. He does not hold back. He tells his dad, “I’m a big boy now, you know I can handle it.”
It is crunch time for 10-year-old Olijah. We appreciate your prayers and donations.
Love you all,
The Family
Fundraising team (1)
LaTasha Jenkins
Organizer
Albany, GA
Bopete McKinney
Beneficiary
Sonya Mallory Peterson
Team member
