Paul Long

Paul Long

Transplant Type: Liver

Paul Long is fighting for his life. In the 1970s, he required a blood transfusion and unknowingly became infected with Hepatitis C. By the time it was discovered, it was too late—his liver had already been damaged. As a result, Paul now suffers from cirrhosis of the liver. His condition leaves him tired and takes a toll on his quality of life. Doctors say a liver transplant is critical. 

During this difficult time, Paul is grateful for the love and support of his wife, Rita, and their family and friends. Paul’s kids and grandkids live out of state, so he doesn’t get to see them as often as he would like, and they all worry about his health. Paul looks forward to receiving a transplant that will allow him to feel better and be healthy. He enjoys mowing lawns for his neighbors and hopes to continue to do so once he receives his transplant. Paul wants nothing more than to be healthy so he can live a long life and continue to take part in the activities he enjoys. But right now he needs your help.

The average liver transplant costs approximately $812,000, and that’s only the beginning. Even with insurance, which will cover a portion of the transplant costs, he still faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and expensive anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

Paul lives more than 100 miles from his transplant center and traveling back and forth for appointments can be expensive. He currently has to go monthly to have fluid drained from his abdomen, as his liver is unable to flush toxins from his body now, but his appointments are about to become more frequent. When he receives his transplant, he will have to stay nearby while he recovers, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging. Paul is self-employed and has to take time off from work when he has doctor’s appointments, further adding to his financial burdens.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Paul. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT Oklahoma Transplant Fund, 3249 W. Sarazens Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125. Please be sure to write "in honor of Paul Long” on the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Baptist Integris Hospital