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Nieces plan fundraiser for uncle awaiting transplant |
| Ruleville, Miss., Sept. 16, 2009 – For Chris Robinson, every breath is a struggle. He is currently on the waiting list for a double lung transplant. Friends and family are planning fundraisers to help. |
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| Publish Date: 11:54AM 09/21/09 |
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Ruleville, Miss., Sept. 16, 2009 – For Chris Robinson, every breath is a struggle. He is currently on the waiting list for a double lung transplant. Friends and family are planning fundraisers to help.
Robinson, 27, was diagnosed in 2001 with sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease of unknown cause that attacks the organs. There is no cure, and Robinson suffers from chronic fatigue, aching and shortness of breath. Due to the Prednisone used to control his symptoms, he now suffers from osteoporosis. His lungs currently function at only 20 percent, and his health is quickly declining.
The average double lung transplant costs approximately $650,000. Even with health coverage, Robinson will face long-term medical expenses related to the transplant. He will require a lifetime of follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications to remain healthy. These medications are very expensive and could cost as much as $5,000 a month.
Because his transplant will take place at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, more than 300 miles from his home, Robinson also will incur travel and temporary housing expenses as he goes through treatment and recovery.
Robinson's declining health limits his ability to work, adding to his financial strain. He and Christina, his wife of less than a year, struggle to make ends meet with his ongoing medical expenses.
To help alleviate some of the financial burden, Robinson turned to the National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) for assistance. NFT is a nonprofit organization that helps patients raise funds for transplant-related expenses.
Volunteers will have a lemonade stand at the Great Ruleville Roast in Rule Park on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lemonade and baked goods will be available for purchase.
Robinson's three young nieces came up with the idea, and the stand will be manned by the girls and other children. For more information about the lemonade stand, please call 662-721-0093.
To make donations in honor of Robinson, please click on Patients We Help to locate him. If you prefer to mail your contribution, please send your gift to the NFT Mississippi Lung Fund, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Be sure to write "in honor of Chris Robinson" in the subject line.
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