Debra (Kuhn) Lange’s Heart Transplant
My Aunt, Deb (Kuhn) Lange, was born with a severe heart condition, basically missing one of the four chambers of her heart. Deb is a survivor and has fought hard. But her condition has finally pushed her to the point of needing a heart and liver transplant. This will require her and her husband of 27 years, Terry (my Uncle), to move from IL to Rochester, MN to wait for a transplant at Mayo Clinic. They are literally uprooting their lives to save Deb’s life.
Insurance will cover a majority of the massive medical expenses; but that is just the beginning. Deb and Terry will have to live in Rochester, MN, while still covering home expenses. Transplant patients must live near the transplant center before and for many months after the transplant. 24-hour care will be required for at least 3 months after surgery. Many patients spend years in the Rochester area. Our goal is to help Deb with travel, living costs, and after-care expenses.
How can we help? We anticipate $4,000 of expenses per month and are looking to prepare for up to 1 year of living expenses. This is a lofty goal but one we feel is appropriate for someone who has given so much to her school, her community, our family, and the lives of so many. Won’t you help if you can? Any assistance is so appreciated!
When Deb moved to Illinois and began her 25+ year role as a teacher, “Mrs. Lange”; she dedicated her life to the students of Trinity-St John in Nashville and the surrounding communities in Illinois. She has made a difference in the lives of so many. On a personal note, she has always been the aunt I could count on to give potential significant others a “hard time” at family functions and to crack a joke when needed.
Originally, as a baby, doctors at the Mayo Clinic told Deb’s parents there was nothing they could do for her and expected her to not survive past 2 weeks of age. Open heart surgeries as an infant and again at age 11 allowed her to lead a more normal life always with some limitations. With all of our help, I know she can continue to defy the odds! We love you, Deb!!