Transplant Type - Lung

In 2004, Vicki was in an accident that caused an inhalation injury. She awoke in the ICU after being in a coma for two days, and she was diagnosed with end-stage lung disease. Her disease has worsened over the years, and doctors say a double-lung transplant is essential to her survival. While she awaits her lifesaving transplant, she depends on an oxygen tank 24 hours a day.

Her illness has caused many challenges for Vicki, emotionally, physically and personally. However, she is grateful for the lessons she has learned, and she looks forward to receiving a second chance at life. Vicki says if she is blessed with her transplant, she will spend more time paying attention to the truly important things in life and encourage others to do the same.

Vicki enjoys quality times with her dog, Davis, and her cats Mac and Mary. She loves reading art and design books and watching the Real Housewives shows because they keep her in the fashion loop! She is anxious to return to her favorite activities of swimming, riding bikes and taking walks when her health allows. More than anything, she wants to know what it feels like to breathe fresh air again. But she needs your help.

A double-lung transplant costs approximately $650,000. And that's only the beginning. Before the hospital will add her to the transplant waiting list, she must raise $40,000. Even with health insurance, Vicki faces significant medical expenses related to her transplant. 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.

Although she loves her work as a clothing designer, she is currently unable to work because cutting and draping the fabrics is too physically taxing, adding to her financial strain. Because she lives more than 175 miles from the transplant center in New Orleans, she must temporarily relocate to be near the hospital during recovery, incurring significant expenses for travel, food and lodging.

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

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Ochsner Medical Center