Christopher Dobbins

Christopher Dobbins

Transplant Type: Lung

Christopher Dobbins is fighting for his life. In 2010, he was diagnosed with Mycobacterium Kansasii, an environmental lung disease caused by exposure to toxic materials and asbestos. As he was being treated, a lung biopsy revealed nodules on his lungs and he was also diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Christopher’s lung function has declined since his diagnosis, and he now relies on supplemental oxygen and a nebulizer to help him breathe. Doctors say a lung transplant is critical to his survival.

During such a challenging time, Christopher is thankful for the love and support of his wife of 31 years, Tina, and their family and friends. Christopher has four children and four grandchildren, and they worry a lot about his health. He looks forward to receiving a transplant that will allow him to breathe freely and be the active husband, father, and grandfather he longs to be. He enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren, barbecuing, and dancing with his wife, but his health limits his activities now. Christopher wants nothing more than to be healthy again, so he will have many more years to enjoy life with his family. But right now, he needs your help. 

The average lung transplant costs approximately $861,000, and that’s only the beginning. Even with health insurance, which will cover the cost of the transplant, he faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they’re as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

Christopher lives 350 miles from his transplant center. When he receives his transplant, he and Tina will have to temporarily relocate to be nearby while he recovers, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging. His health issues forced him to stop working, further adding to his financial burdens.

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

Thank you for your generosity!

Christopher and Tina Dobbins and Family 

Patient Health Institute: Vanderbilt