Kathleen Ernest

Kathy Ernest

Transplant Type: Double Lung

Kathy Ernest is awaiting a new lease on life. Thirty years ago, she was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). At first, her diagnosis didn’t slow her down. She continued to work and was a single mother of two. Unfortunately, in 2013 a routine shoulder surgery paralyzed her diaphragm, which exasperated her COPD. Since then, Kathy has struggled with her health. Her lung function has declined over time, and it is difficult to breathe. Doctors now say a double-lung transplant is her only hope for survival.

During this difficult time, Kathy is thankful for the love and support of her family and friends. She has two grown children, a son and a daughter. Kathy’s daughter has moved home from California to serve as her primary caretaker. Kathy also has three grandchildren, two under the age of seven. Her illness prevents her from being the active mother and grandmother she longs to be.

Kathy enjoys swimming, going for walks, bowling, gardening, and playing with her grandchildren, but her health prevents her from doing those things now. She looks forward to receiving a transplant that will save her life and give her more quality time with her family. Kathy wants nothing more than to be healthy so she can be more active, regain her independence, be able to do simple day-to-day activities without struggling, and play with her grandchildren. But right now, she 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, she faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of her life, she will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they’re as critical to her survival as the transplant itself.

Kathy lives 27 miles from her transplant center, but the drive can take up to an hour and a half due to traffic. When she receives her transplant, she may have to stay nearby while she recovers, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging. Kathy’s health forced her to stop working in 2013, further adding to her financial burdens.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Kathy. 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 Kathy Ernest” in the memo line.Transplant Center: 

Massachusetts General