Jesse Coolidge

Jesse Coolidge

Transplant Type:   Double Lung and Kidney

What if you were living on borrowed time? 

Jesse Coolidge is fighting for his life. As a child, he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and pulmonary fibrosis. In 2015, it was found that he also suffered from lupus.  Jesse developed chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to his lupus, and his condition has progressed into end-stage pulmonary fibrosis.  Now, doctors say a double-lung and kidney transplant is critical to his survival.             

During such a challenging time, Jesse is thankful to be surrounded by a strong support system. His family and friends have been by his side every step of the way, providing much needed love and encouragement. While it’s been very hard for Jesse and his loved ones, these circumstances have also brought them closer together, strengthened their trust in each other, and given them perspective on what matters most in life.        

Before his health began to decline, Jesse loved working with the public, swimming at the springs, exercising, traveling, and spending quality time with his nieces and nephews, but these days, his activities are quite limited. Jesse looks forward to the transplant that will restore his energy and give him his life back. More than anything, he wants to be healthy enough to spend many more years with his family. But right now, he needs your help.

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

The average double-lung and kidney transplant costs more than $2 million. And that is 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. 

Jesse lives 60 miles from the transplant center, and he incurs substantial expenses each time he visits for evaluations and doctors’ appointments. When he receives his transplant, Jesse and his caregiver may need to stay near the hospital, during recovery, adding to the financial strain.

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

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 Jesse Coolidge” in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Transplant Center:   Advent Health

If you have any questions about The National Foundation for Transplants, feel free to contact the staff at 800-489-3863.