John Balesano

John Balesano

Transplant Type: Double Lung

John Balesano is awaiting a new lease on life. Six years ago, a routine physical exposed a crackling noise in his lungs. He was referred to a pulmonary specialist and diagnosed with pulmonary disease. Eventually, John was diagnosed with Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). There’s no family history of the disease, and the cause is unknown. John requires the use of supplemental oxygen in order to breathe. 

Doctors say a double-lung transplant is critical to his survival as this is a terminal disease.During such a difficult time, John is thankful for the love and support of his wife of 34 years, Sharon, and their family and friends, including three grown children. John’s illness causes worry for his family, but they have become active and compassionate partners in his journey. His Catholic faith sustains him, and he sees each day as a gift from God.

John enjoys spending his retirement with the love of his life and hosting family and friends for dinner and around the fireplace where they can engage in sharing funny stories and belly laughs. He looks forward to receiving a transplant that will save his life and give him more years with those he loves. John wants nothing more than to be healthy so he can breathe freely, enjoy morning walks, and take part in daily life without struggling to breathe. But right now, he needs your help.

The average double-lung transplant costs more than $1 million, and that’s only the beginning. Even with health insurance, which will cover a portion of the transplant costs, 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.

John lives 200 miles from his transplant center. When he receives his transplant, he will have to stay nearby while he recovers, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging. John’s declining health forced him to stop working in 2018, further adding to his financial burdens.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of John. 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 John Balesano” in the memo line.

Transplant Center: Brigham and Women’s Hospital