Claudia Cuevas

Claudia Cuevas

Transplant Type: Double Lung

What if you were living on borrowed time?

Claudia Cuevas is fighting for her life. In 2016, she was diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Her diagnosis came as quite a shock, as there is no family history of lung issues. Claudia’s condition has continued to worsen, and now doctors say a double lung transplant is critical to her survival. While awaiting her transplant, she relies on an oxygen tank for every breath.

This has been a difficult time for Claudia, as she is used to being much more independent and active. She is thankful for her four children, two grandchildren, family, and friends, who have been by her side every step of the way. She wishes that they did not need to be so concerned about her health but is grateful for their love and support. Before her health began to decline, Claudia enjoyed working, taking her dog, Sadie, for walks, and spending time with her family, but these days, her activities are quite limited. Claudia looks forward to the transplant that will allow her to live her life with as few limitations as possible and spend many more years with her loved ones, but right now, she needs your help.

Unfortunately, Claudia’s hope for a new life comes at a very high price.

The average double lung transplant costs more than $1 million. And that is only the beginning. Even with insurance, which will cover a portion of the transplant costs, she still faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of her life, she will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications, which are as critical to her survival as the transplant itself.

Claudia must travel more than 175 miles to reach her transplant center for evaluations and doctors’ appointments. When she receives her transplant, Claudia and her caregiver will need to stay near the hospital during recovery, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging, adding to the financial strain.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to the National Foundation for Transplants in honor of Claudia.

If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the National Foundation for Transplants, 3249 W. Sarazen’s Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125.  Please be sure to write "in honor of Claudia Cuevas” in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Transplant Center:  Sanford Health/USD Medical Center