Aid for Ernest Dickens' Brave Fight

I am the sister of Ernest Dickens. He has had a long and arduous battle. He developed COPD in 2014. Initially, Ernest would have flare-ups every once in a while, but as time passed, they progressed. He was constantly in and out of the hospital for the past four years. Hope came when he was approved and placed on the lung transplant list! As he waited, his flare ups became about weekly. We were told he reached the end of care in July, 2023. Towards the middle of August, Ernest was given hope yet again when he was told the first set of lungs were found. Unfortunately, the first set was rejected as soon they reached the hospital. Then about a week later, the second set were on their way. Ernest was actually prepped for surgery and told it was a “no go”. Then the third time came, and it was a “go”! That was 9/1/23. We were so excited and hopeful for a new lease on life!

Ernest had a double lung transplant (DLT), but experienced several complications afterwards. He had a long recovery period and remained hospitalized for four months. He did get to the point where he was breathing on his own and mobile again. He came home for about 2 months. While home, he was in constant, excruciating belly discomfort. It eventually became overwhelming and his breathing started to decline again. Ernest went back to the hospital at the end of March and just became worse. He developed multiple infections, went into lung rejection, and ended up back on a ventilator. He basically went right back to where he was before the transplant.

He has fought and fought and fought and shown unimaginable courage and bravery. He unfortunately passed away the night of August 5, 2024.

We attempted to get insurance for him two years ago, but due to his condition, no company wanted to insure him. They said it was because he was on oxygen. I have never asked for help and don’t like doing so, but I really need it now. My brother has a 17-year-old daughter also who is starting her senior year in high school and has lost her dad. I just lost my son’s father 7 weeks ago and have been traveling between both he and my brother spending time with them in hospitals. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. No gift is too small. Thank you so much in advance.