Patricia Williams-McBride

Patricia Williams-McBride

Transplant type -- Lung

She is suffering from end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and doctors say a double-lung transplant is critical to her survival. Before she can be added to the hospital’s transplant waiting list, she must begin fundraising to prove she can afford the necessary post-transplant medications and care. The severity of her illness has caused her to code 26 times and required a tracheotomy procedure.

Although this has been a very difficult time, Patricia is thankful for the love and support of her god-children, god-grandchildren, family and friends. This health battle has brought them all closer together, and she doesn’t know what she’d do without them. She has always loved to sing, dance, take walks, bowl and travel, but these days her shortness of breath greatly limits her activities. She dreams of a better quality of life, 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 insurance, which will cover the cost of the transplant itself, she still faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of her life, she will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications, which are as critical to her survival as the transplant itself. When she receives her transplant, Patricia must temporarily relocate 80 miles from her home to be near the hospital for six months to a year, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food and lodging. Because of her declining health, she had to leave her job of 20 years as an RN, adding to the financial strain.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Patricia. 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 Patricia Williams" on the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Duke University Medical Center