John Rodenhizer, Jr

John Rodenhizer, Jr.

Transplant Type: Double Lung

What if you were living on borrowed time?

John Rodenhizer is fighting for his life. He has suffered with breathing issues for the past twenty years, and he has now been diagnosed with interstitial lung disease. His condition has continued to worsen, and now doctors say a double-lung transplant is critical. While awaiting his transplant, John relies on an oxygen tank for every breath.

During such a challenging time, John 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 has been very hard for John and his loved ones, these circumstances have also brought them closer together, strengthened their trust in each other and in the Lord, and given them perspective on what matters most in life. Before his health began to decline, John loved boating, fishing, working with his hands, and having his own business, and he dreams of being well enough to enjoy these things again someday. 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, John’s hope for a new life comes at a very high price.

The average double-lung transplant costs more than $1 million. 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 are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

John lives more than 185 miles from the transplant center, and he incurs substantial expenses each time he visits for evaluations and doctors’ appointments. When he receives his transplant, John and his caregiver will need to stay near the hospital for up to three months, 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 John.

If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT Tennessee Transplant Fund, 3249 W. Sarazen’s Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125. Please be sure to write "in honor of John Rodenhizer” in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Transplant Center:  University of North Carolina Hospitals