Richard Blake

Rich Blake

Transplant Type: Double Lung

Rich Blake is awaiting a new lease on life. Last December he came down with pneumonia, and by January, it had turned into double pneumonia. After high doses of antibiotics and steroids, it hadn’t cleared up. Tests revealed that Rich is suffering from interstitial lung disease. He is now on supplemental oxygen to help him breathe. Unfortunately, medication will no longer help his condition, and doctors say a double-lung transplant is his only chance for survival.

During this difficult time, Rich is thankful for the love and support of his wife of 32 years, Roschell, and their family and friends. Rich and Roschell have six children and twelve grandchildren ranging in age from one to sixteen. Rich’s illness prevents him from being the active husband, father, and grandfather he longs to be. He looks forward to receiving a transplant that will save his life and free him from supplemental oxygen. Rich enjoys riding his motorcycle, playing pool, bowling, and playing with his grandchildren—but his illness prevents all of those activities now. He wants nothing more than to be healthy so he can resume the activities he once enjoyed, have more years with his family, and watch his grandchildren grow up. But right now, he 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, 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’re as critical to his survival as the transplant itself. Rich is still working, although it is becoming difficult. When he receives his transplant, he will be off work for an extended time, further adding to his financial burdens.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Rich. 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 Rich Blake” on the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Transplant Center: Baptist Integris Hospital