Tommy Matthews
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
National Foundation for Transplants, Inc.$4,030
raised by 29 people
$25,000 goal
Tommy Matthews
Transplant Type: Double Lung
Update: Tommy received a transplant on January 22, 2019!
Tommy Matthews is awaiting a new lease on life. A few years ago, he was diagnosed with hypersensitive pneumonitis. His diagnosis came as a shock, as there is no family history of the illness and no known cause. His lung function has declined and he now requires the assistance of supplemental oxygen. Doctors say a double-lung transplant is critical to his survival.
During such a difficult time, Tommy is thankful for the love and support of his wife, Patricia, and their family and friends. Tommy has four daughters and six grandchildren, and his illness causes worry for them. He looks forward to receiving a transplant that will allow him to be free from supplemental oxygen and improve his quality of life. He enjoys spending time with his family, going to the beach, working in the yard, fishing, and helping others with repair work, but his activities are now very limited. Tommy wants nothing more than to receive a transplant so he can enjoy more time with his family and walk on the beach with his wife again. 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.
Tommy lives 3 hours from his transplant center and has to travel back and forth for appointments. When he receives his transplant, he and his wife will have to temporarily relocate to be nearby while he recovers, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging.
You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Tommy. 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 Tommy Matthews” on the memo line.
Thank you for your generosity!
Patient Health Institute: University of North Carolina