Bob Cawley’s Double Lung Transplant

Bob Cawley is fighting for his life.

In 2019, our Dad was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease with Pulmonary Fibrosis and Pulmonary Hypertension. Over the past few years he had tried the recommended clinical trial medications and supplemental oxygen but there was nothing to keep the disease from progressing and he was admitted to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania on September 20th, 2023. While there, he was unable to get off of high flow oxygen or a non rebreather mask. Doctors told him his only option to continue staying on this earth with us was to have a Double Lung Transplant (DLT). He chose to fight for his life.

While he was admitted to Penn our Dad participated in expedited testing to see if he could qualify for a transplant surgery. It was a daily race of being able to complete each test as his oxygen requirements continued to increase, but Bob Cawley is a fighter, and he completed the testing and qualified to be listed for the transplant surgery. In only six days he received ‘the call’, there were lungs available for him and they were a match! On October 10th he underwent a seven hour surgery. He was discharged from the hospital on October 26th and moved into housing near the hospital specifically for organ transplant patients. During this time he attends various appointments weekly at Penn. Once he is allowed to return home he will continue with follow up visits at Penn indefinitely along with taking lifelong anti-rejection medications which are critical to his survival.

While Bob has health insurance, many transplant expenses are surprisingly not covered and he still faces significant costs related to the surgery. Donations to this fundraiser can help ease the financial burden of a transplant and allow Bob to focus on a healthy recovery and a long life ahead with his family and grandkids.

Without question, Bob Cawley is a fighter. We appreciate any help you may be able to contribute during his continued recovery.

Thank you,

Karissa, Bryan, Breanna, Ciara and Jenna