CF is a hereditary disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems. John has come to a crossroad in his life and it is now essential for him to have this life saving operation.

Double lung transplant operations do not come cheaply. There are many costs associated with this undertaking. He will have to move to North Carolina to be near the hospital that specializes in lung transplantation.

Other expenses such as transportation, housing, food and the basic living costs (phone, laundry, gas and electric) that you and I take for granted will continue over a 10 to 12 month period.

The cost of the operation itself can vary tremendously depending on how well the body accepts the new lungs. Organ rejection is very common in transplants and can add weeks sometimes months to the recovery period and this in turn can substantially increase the amount of money required.

Then there are the obvious costs of the operation itself: the doctors, hospital, anesthesiologists and other transplant specialists. Plus, there are costs of rehab and life long medication to prevent rejection or infection. Estimates of up to $500,000.00 have been mentioned.

Before we can begin raising money we need your help for two major elements of our effort:

1 - Building an organization of volunteers for various positions and tasks in the fund raising effort. The tasks vary from stuffing envelopes, to calling people for money, to planning a concert, to calling radio stations for air time, or asking your boss for his large corporate contribution.

2 - Collecting and submitting names, (addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, etc.) of people and companies that might be willing to donate or help during this effort.

If you are interested in helping John take that first full breath please call us or email us. With your help, and the help of others, we can help ease some of the burden that this operation brings with it. Our intent is to keep this fund operating and available for CF lung transplant recipients.

Sincerely,

John's Friends