Evelyn Melendez
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
National Foundation for Transplants, Inc.$2,932
raised by 44 people
$15,000 goal
Evelyn is improving each day!
We are happy that Evelyn sedation has finally worn off enough that she's been able to communicate with us a little bit better, and get a better understanding of how long she has been down. She is frustrated with being connected to so many tubes, but yesterday (5/25) they were able to get her sitting up in a chair for the first time and it went well. They are slowly weening the ventilator support, trying not to stress out her heart or her new lungs. At this point, she is initiating her own breaths, and the machine is just kicking in to assist with the rest.
Thank you for continuing to keep Evelyn and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
Evelyn Melendez
Transplant type: Double Lung
What if you were given the gift of life?
Evelyn Melendez has been given a second chance at life. In 2004, at the age of fifteen, she was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Over the next few years, she was found to suffer from mitral valve prolapse, dextrocardia, and atrial tachycardia. Evelyn also suffers from ear problems that have caused partial deafness in both ears. Her diagnoses shook her small family to the core. Evelyn’s situation remained stable for many years, but her condition began to decline, and doctors said a double lung transplant was critical to her survival. Thankfully, Evelyn received her double lung transplant on Friday, May 13, 2022!
During this difficult time, Evelyn is thankful for her parents, sister, sister-in-law, and nephew, 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 worsen, Evelyn enjoyed traveling, going to flea markets, and embracing her love of Halloween, but these days, her activities are extremely limited. Evelyn looks forward to fully recovering from her transplant so that she can live her life again. More than anything, Evelyn wants the opportunity to feel like a regular, independent, adult in her thirties, but right now, she needs your help.
Unfortunately, Evelyn’s new life comes at a very high price.
Even though Evelyn’s surgery has already taken place, and her insurance will cover the cost of her transplant, she still faces significant medical expenses related to the surgery. Evelyn will continue to need a lifetime of follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications, which are as critical to her survival as the transplant itself. Evelyn does not live near her transplant center, and she incurs substantial expenses each time she travels for doctor appointments and evaluations. Evelyn and her caregiver had to stay near the hospital during recovery, adding to the financial strain.
What if your life depended on the compassion and generosity of others?
The National Foundation for Transplants is working with volunteers and supporters to help relieve the growing burden of expenses for Evelyn. The National Foundation for Transplants has been assisting transplant patients with advocacy and fundraising support for more than 40 years. Your gift—of $25, $50, $100 or more—will enable The National Foundation for Transplants to provide Evelyn with the financial support she desperately needs to keep her gift of life healthy.
If you have any questions about The National Foundation for Transplants, feel free to contact the staff at 800-489-3863.
Many Thanks!
P.S. Want to help Evelyn even more? Ask your company if they will match your gift!
If you have any questions about NFT, feel free to contact the staff at 800-489-3863.