Randall Riggs

Randy Riggs

Transplant Type: Double Lung

Randy Riggs continues to fight for his health after receiving a double-lung transplant in 2020. The transplant was critical to his survival after being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic progressive lung disorder that caused a rapid decline in Randy’s daily functioning and ability to breathe. After receiving the double-lung transplant, Randy’s quality of life increased significantly. Since then, he has enjoyed being able to work outside in the yard again, garden, travel, and play with his pets. Randy is thankful for the love and support of his wife of 37 years, Sandy, their daughter, and their family and friends. However, the transplant was only the first step in a long journey of health management. For the rest of his life, Randy will need follow-up care and daily medication.  

Randy went to the transplant center hospital on April 27th because the oxygen levels in his blood were too low. Once at the hospital, doctors discovered Randy was suffering from pleural effusion, a condition causing a buildup of fluid between the lungs and the chest. Doctors inserted a drainage tube through Randy’s chest cavity, which remained in place for several days. He ended up needing surgical intervention, and over the past three weeks he has undergone extensive testing and procedures to try to find out why his ability to breathe continues to get worse. On May 17th, doctors determined Randy is experiencing a rejection episode. On May 18th, he starts plasma pheresis, a procedure where they remove his blood, filter out the antibodies that are attacking his lungs, and transfuse donor plasma back into his body. He will have this done every other day for four transfusions. Randy will likely remain in the hospital for at least another two weeks as he completes this treatment and we learn more about whether it was effective or if other treatment options need to be explored. 

Even with health insurance, which will cover some of the medical costs, Randy faces significant expenses related to his ongoing treatment. In addition to medical bills, there are also costs related to travel and lodging. Randy and his wife, Sandy, live 230 miles (4 hours) away from the transplant center hospital. For the first two weeks, Sandy was able to stay at a hotel near the hospital so she could be available in case of an emergency, and so she could coordinate with the transplant team, stay involved in the treatment process, and offer emotional support to Randy throughout his time at the hospital. However, after reaching over $2,000 in hotel bills, she had to go home when it was just no longer financially feasible. She had to make a choice between being able to stay near the hospital or being able to pay the mortgage. Sandy continues to coordinate with the transplant team from afar. While Randy is receiving inpatient treatment, he is also missing work and will soon be out of PTO. All of these factors create a significant financial burden for Randy and his wife.

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

Transplant Center: Banner University Medicine