Transplant Type - Lung

We are thrilled to report that Terri received her lifesaving transplant in November 2010 and is recovering well!

In 2004, Terri first noticed troubling symptoms, such as redness and swelling in her hands. After a local rheumatologist reviewed her records, symptoms and blood tests, she immediately knew something was wrong. Terri soon learned she was suffering from systemic scleroderma, an autoimmune disease causing her immune system to attack her body, especially her lungs. Doctors told Terri a lung transplant was essential to her survival.

A devoted wife and mother of two, Terri has remained determined to overcome this disease so she can spend many more years with her family and see her children get married and have children of their own. Terri loves to scrapbook and do other crafts and is thankful she can still enjoy these activities. She looks forward to being well enough travel to museums and zoos and stay outdoors in the heat, which she loves.

After taking a few college history courses, Terri fell in love with history and has visited several Smithsonian Museums. She dreams of one day visiting all 19 museums and is hopeful her health will allow it.

A lung transplant costs approximately $450,000. And that's only the beginning. Even with health insurane, Terri 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.

Terri temporarily relocated more than 200 miles from her home to be closer to the transplant center in Pittsburgh, adding to her financial strain.

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

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center