Transplant Type - Lung

We are so happy to report that Shirley received her double-lung transplant in February 2010!

Shirley, a loving wife and mother, battled sarcoidosis for nearly 30 years. Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease with no known cause. She constantly depended on an oxygen tank, which limited her mobility. After her health sharply declined, doctors said her only hope for a second chance at life was a double-lung transplant. She received her transplant at the Cleveland Clinic.

Shirley's health has prevented her from working or doing many of the things she used to enjoy, such as bowling, traveling and helping others. She has difficulty doing simple things like walking or grocery shopping, and is unable to climb the stairs in her home. Her husband used to take care of her, but he had a stroke in 2005, and now Shirley serves as his primary caregiver. Her condition makes it very difficult to provide him with the care he needs.

Despite her struggles, Shirley has remained optimistic and continues to have high hopes for the future. Shirley is thankful for the support of her loved ones and looks forward to spending more time with her family and friends. But she needs your help.

The average double-lung transplant costs more than $650,000. And that's only the beginning. Even with health insurance, Shirley faces significant 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.

Because the transplant took place more than 300 miles from her home, she will incur substantial travel and temporary housing expenses as she goes through treatment and recovery.

You can help.
You can help! Your gift to the NFT New York Lung Fund in Shirley's honor will enable NFT to help with her transplant-related expenses. Your contribution, large or small, will make a difference in Shirley's life. Please click on the link beneath her photo to make an online donation. If you prefer to mail your gift, please send it to NFT New York Lung Fund, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write "in honor of Shirley Washington" in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Cleveland Clinic