Anthony Lyman

Tony Lyman

Transplant Type: Heart

Update: Tony received a transplant on August 5, 2019!

Tony Lyman is fighting for his life.  He was first diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) when he was only 15-years-old, and he began taking medication at that time. Unfortunately, HCM genetically runs rampant in his family. In 2012, he suffered cardiac arrest and required an ICD implant. His heart problems continued, and by 2017 he had to have a new ICD implant. Tony now faces congestive heart failure. His condition leaves him very tired and takes a toll on his quality of life. Doctors say a heart transplant is critical to his survival.

During this difficult time, Tony is grateful for the love and support of his wife, Diane, and their family and friends. Tony and Diane have three grown children and three grandchildren, and his illness prevents him from being the active husband, father, and grandfather he longs to be. He looks forward to receiving a transplant that will allow him to feel like himself again. He enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing and attending Bluegrass festivals, but his health limits his activities now. Tony wants nothing more than to be healthy so he can return to the activities he loves, take walks on the beach with his wife, and play with his grandchildren. But right now he needs your help.

The average heart transplant costs more than $1 million, and that’s only the beginning. Even with insurance, which will cover a portion of the transplant costs, he still faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they’re as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

Tony lives three hours away from the transplant center, and he has to travel back and forth for appointments. When he receives his transplant, he will have to stay nearby while he recovers, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging. Although Tony is still working as a thermal spray technician, it is getting more difficult. He has to take frequent time off due to his illness, further adding to his financial burdens.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Tony. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to National Foundation for Transplants, 3249 W. Sarazen’s Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125. Please be sure to write "in honor of Tony Lyman” on the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!Patient Health Institute: Duke