Tammy Rivero

Tammy Rivero

Transplant Type: Double Lung

Tammy Martin Rivero is fighting for her life. For the past ten years, she has been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and doctors say a lung transplant is critical to her survival. While awaiting her transplant, she relies on an oxygen tank for every breath.

Unfortunately, Tammy is all too familiar with this disease.  COPD claimed the lives of her mother and grandmother. She is grateful for the love and support of her children and grandchildren, but she wishes they didn’t have to worry about her so much. Tammy’s worked most of her life as a caregiver – since 1976 – and she longs to be healthy enough to once again take care of those in need. 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 a portion of the transplant costs, 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, Tammy must temporarily relocate 175 miles from her home to be near the hospital during the recovery process, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food and lodging.

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

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Duke