My Mother, Tara Dennis

My name is Kevin, and I’m fundraising to help my mom Tara Dennis with her towering medical bills as she undergoes procedures for a lung transplant surgery. In April, 2022, Mom was diagnosed with stage 4 COPD. With this heartbreaking diagnosis, she was immediately faced with a decision- go through grueling procedures to be eligible for a transplant, or let the disease take its course and live out what time she has (estimated between 2-5 years). My mother is only 53, so this was earth shattering to hear such a harsh ultimatum. It didn’t take her long to decide that she would rather fight to live and see her children and grandchildren grow up, as their lives have just begun. Tara (Mom) has been a server for 30 years. She has probably waited on just about everyone who has walked into the Kokomo Hacienda, and is definitely one of the most memorable servers there! Her sweet and caring demeanor and her fun-loving personality has made her a favorite for the past 3 decades! Unfortunately, she can no longer work with the condition of her lungs. Walking across from the living room and back is often too much of a feat.

The great news- she is an EXCELLENT candidate for surgery because of her age and the fact that her other systems are in great shape. Currently, Mom has been nicotine free for 3 months (since her diagnosis) and going strong! She is also gaining weight (something she has always struggled with) to become eligible for transplant surgery. She is doing so well, and fighting so hard. The biggest expenses are the pulmonary exams that she is required to complete twice a week, and after insurance still has to pay $531 out of pocket. More than $1,000 per week and she has about 20 exams total. We are asking for your help to get her through these 20 exams to get her on the organ receiving list.

Any amount is greatly appreciated and please share if you can! With your help, I know we can get her through the most difficult climb of her life. Thank you for your consideration ♥️