Transplant Type - Lung

Laura first noticed troubling symptoms, such as pain and swelling in her hands, in 2005. The following year she began experiencing fevers, chills and body aches. She was finally diagnosed with Systemic Scleroderma, a disease causing the body's tissues to attack its own immune system. Sadly, the illness caused scarring of the lungs, which led to a diagnosis of Pulmonary Fibrosis in 2008. Doctors have told Laura a double-lung transplant is critical to her survival. She is currently undergoing evaluations at the Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Institute in New Orleans.

Laura looks forward to the transplant, which will save her life and allow her to continue to care for her family and once again go dancing and shopping, activities she can no longer do because of extreme shortness of breath. She also hopes to go back to college and one day travel to visit her family.

Originally from Mexico, Laura moved to the U.S. in 2006. Her oldest son still lives in Mexico and worries about his mother's health every day. A devoted wife to George and mother of three, Laura is determined to do what is best for her sons because she knows how concerned they are about her health. Laura shares a very special relationship with her youngest son, Robby, who suffers from Autism, and she wants nothing more than to be there for him as he grows up. But she needs your help.

A double-lung transplant costs approximately $650,000. And that's only the beginning. Even with health insurance, Laura faces significant medical expenses. For the rest of her life, she will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. The cost of post-transplant medications can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month--and they are as critical to her survival as the transplant itself.

Once she receives her transplant, Laura must temporarily relocate to New Orleans for at least three months to be closer to the transplant center, adding to her financial strain.

You can help.
To make a donation to NFT in honor of Laura, click the link below her photo. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT Louisiana Lung Fund, 5350 Poplar Avenue, Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write "in honor of Laura Getz" on the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Institute