Tonia Atkinson
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
National Foundation for Transplants, Inc.$250
raised by 1 people
$20,000 goal
Tonia Atkinson
Transplant Type: Heart
Update: Tonia received a heart transplant on January 1, 2019!
Tonia Atkinson has a new lease on life. In 2007, she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) and numerous other heart-related issues. Unfortunately, Tonia is all too familiar with heart disease, as it runs in her family. Her illness left her very tired and took a toll on her quality of life. Doctors said a heart transplant was critical to her survival. Thankfully, Tonia received a transplant on January 1, 2019!
During this difficult time, Tonia is grateful for the love and support of her husband, Rodney, and their family and friends. Tonia has two sons, ages 12 and 19, and her illness prevents her from being the active wife and mother she longs to be. She looks forward to recovering from her transplant and having the energy to be active with her family again. Tonia used to enjoy gardening, walking, fishing, and cooking, but her health has prevented her from doing those things. She hopes to return to them once she’s recovered. Tonia wants nothing more than to be healthy so she can feel better and enjoy life with her family. But right now she needs your help.
Tonia is grateful for her second chance at life, but it comes with a high price tag. The average heart 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 anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they’re as critical to her survival as the transplant itself.
Tonia lives 90 miles from her transplant center and has had to travel back and forth for appointments. Now that she’s received her transplant, she will have to temporarily relocate to be nearby while she recovers, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging. Tonia’s declining health forced her to stop working, further adding to her financial burdens.
You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Tonia. 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 Tonia Atkinson” on the memo line.
Thank you for your generosity!
Patient Health Institute: Duke