Stacie Pittman

Stacie Pittman

Transplant Type: Double Lung

Stacie Pittman is awaiting a new lease on life. In 2013, she was diagnosed with systemic scleroderma, an autoimmune disease. Her diagnosis came as a shock, as there is no family history. The systemic scleroderma eventually led to pulmonary fibrosis. Her lung function has declined over the years and she now requires the use of supplemental oxygen to help her breathe. Doctors say a double-lung transplant is critical to her survival.

During this difficult time, Stacie is thankful for the love and support of her family and friends. She is a single mom of two daughters, ages 22 and 17, and her illness causes them a lot of worry. Stacie’s illness prevents her from being the active mother she longs to be. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking for her loved ones, exercising, dancing, and going on trips with her family—but her health limits her activities now.

Stacie looks forward to receiving a transplant that will allow her to breathe freely and no longer be dependent on supplemental oxygen. Once she is healthy, she hopes to go back to school and finish her degree, go on vacation with her daughters, and being able to live a normal life. Right now, even simple things like being outdoors and going for a walk are difficult. Stacie wants nothing more than to be healthy so she can have more time with her family and be able to share her story with others so she can bring awareness about scleroderma and pulmonary fibrosis. 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 covers 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.

Stacie lives 400 miles from her transplant center and has to travel back and forth for appointments. When she is added to the transplant waiting list, she will have to temporarily relocate to be near the transplant center, and will have to remain there throughout her wait, hospitalization, and recovery, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging. Two caregivers will have to relocate with her as well. Stacie’s declining health prevents her from working, further adding to her financial burdens.

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

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Methodist Houston