Steven Liggett's Double Lung Transplant Journey

Our dad, Steve, has always worked hard and sacrificed for his family, stepping up to be the guardian and provider for four of his grandchildren over the last eight years - Elijah (18), Sean (12), Olivia (11), and Tessa (9) - in addition to his son, Nick (14). Never one to complain, he has consistently put his own needs aside to make sure his children and grandchildren are taken care of and have everything they need. But now he needs help as he faces a long and challenging health issue: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious, progressive disease that has no known cause or cure. This disease causes scarring of the lungs, which leads to the lung tissue becoming hard and stiff making it incredibly difficult to breathe. The average survival rate of IPF is 2-5 years from the time of diagnosis. Steve was diagnosed at the age of 61 - 3 years ago. He is in dire need of a double lung transplant.

Thankfully, after months of rigorous testing and procedures, Steve’s transplant team informed him that he is on the cusp of being listed for a double lung transplant. He could be officially placed on the list as soon as July.

Transplant patients and their families are encouraged to fundraise because a transplant is a lifelong commitment, and the costs associated with transplants can be insurmountable. The expenses related to this transplant begin well before and continue long after the surgery. Expenses have already begun to pile up - transportation costs to and from countless appointments, a portable oxygen machine to allow Steve to continue to work to support his family, multiple medications, physical therapy, etc. Many of these expenses will continue post-surgery and will be compounded by lost wages and costly immunosuppressive medications to ensure his body does not reject the new lungs.

Our hope is to be able to update you when he is officially listed, when he has surgery, and throughout his recovery.

We appreciate you taking the time to read about our dad’s story and considering donating to his fundraiser. Please keep our dad and family in your prayers. Thank you!