New Lung, New Beginnings!

If you have ever met Marjorie, it’s likely that you were greeted with a smile and a lively conversation. Those who know her well would describe her as being friendly, joyful, and vibrant. She is those things and more! However, she has been courageously battling pulmonary fibrosis (PF) for the last 5 years. PF is an aggressive and rapidly progressing disease that attacks the lungs by growing scar tissue, causing a depletion of much-needed oxygen to the body. Marjorie’s love of life has kept her traveling, dancing, and spending time with her family while battling steadily depleting oxygen levels. After a slow progression, her condition took a swift decline earlier this year, which led to two hospital visits due to pneumonia. In a span of eight months, we witnessed Marjorie’s quality of life drastically diminish, and she eventually needed assistance with everyday tasks and was dependent on an oxygen tank to breathe and a walker/wheelchair to move the smallest of distances. We began to accept the reality that to truly combat her disease, a lung transplant would be necessary. Though the word “transplant” was a scary and overwhelming one for Marjorie, we all hoped that she would be deemed eligible. Just 10 days after being listed as an eligible candidate, she received the call we’d been waiting for, and our prayers were answered. On July 31st, Marjorie successfully endured a five-hour surgery and received a healthy right lung. After months of physical decline, stress, and doctor visits, Marjorie was able to breathe on her own! We can now add warrior and survivor to her list of strengths and attributes.

This entire process of transplant eligibility has been fast-moving and miraculous! Although miracles do happen, real life continues, and Marjorie has a long road toward physical and financial recovery. With the transplant come significant costs, and we are asking for your help in raising funds for Marjorie’s medical expenses, medications, and rehabilitation. Please help us in assisting and celebrating Marjorie in her second chance at life by contributing what you can. All donations will be greatly appreciated!