Leah Russell (Loon Lake WA) Double Lung Transplant

Leah is a 17-year-old daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, and cousin. She aspires to graduate high school, go to college, and work in the medical field; an area she has grown to have an attachment to. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension on November 22, 2015, when she was 14. We knew that eventually she would need new lungs and possibly a new heart. While this prognosis was grim, she lifted her head up and tried to live life like any other teenager.   Last year, we found out that the medicine being delivered subcutaneously was no longer working. In the Spring of 2018, she had a PICC line inserted directly into her heart which administered her life-saving medicine. It was weeks before we knew that this medicine was not going to be effective in keeping her alive. In early October, Leah was admitted to Sacred Heart Pediatric Intensive Care.  Since that time, she has been admitted three more times.  Leah is in desperate need of a double lung transplant. December 31, 2018, Leah spent the day at University of Washington Medical Center; one step closer to being accepted onto the transplant list. The doctors drew a total of 35 vials of blood.  While this would scare most people, Leah was beyond brave. Sadly, when she got back home, she had severe shortness of breath and unimaginable chest pain. She was admitted to Sacred Heart at 3 am on New Year’s Day. She is likely spending another two weeks in the hospital as we all hope and pray she gets accepted for a double lung transplant soon.  Her family needs your assistance during this process. While a double lung transplant is a miracle, the cost is a burden for any family.  It will cost approximately $52,000 on top of what Leah’s medical insurance covers. Out of pocket expenses such as:  * Housing in the Transplant House and uncovered Living Expenses - $15,000 for 4-6 months * Private Emergency Flights (LifeFlight insurance will not cover cost to transport Leah) - $12,760+ per flight  3-6 flights typically needed * Parking at Transplant Center - $500 a month * Follow-up visits every 3 months after transplant – Unknown, the flight prices, hotels, medical expenses, and living expenses vary * Uncovered Medical Expenses, Supplies, Equipment, etc – Unknown, the expenses change based on Leah’s needs Every day her situation becomes graver. Her mental fortitude is incredible, but her body is unable to keep up.  With your help, Leah will be able to achieve her dreams.