Wesley Hawkins

Wes Hawkins

Transplant Type: Double Lung

Update: Wes received a transplant on August 8, 2019! 

Wes Hawkins is awaiting a new lease on life. He was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) when he was only 3-years-old. CF is a genetic disease, although he is the only one in his family who suffers from it. His parents and family helped to ensure that he had as normal childhood as possible, and didn’t allow CF to stop him from doing anything. Wes defied the statistical life expectancy many times and ultimately graduated from Oklahoma State University. Although things were sometimes harder and took longer due to lung infections and hospital stays, Wes never gave up. He was recently hospitalized with complications from CF, and underwent a Bronchial Artery Embolization. The combination of his already low lung function and the embolization caused his lung function to decrease to an alarming level. Wes spent three weeks in the hospital and at that time, his doctors told him a double-lung transplant was critical to his survival. 

During such a difficult time, Wes is thankful for the love and support of his family and friends. His parents raised Wes and his two older brothers on a ranch where they learned discipline, respect, and how to work hard. His declining health forced him to move back in with his mom so she can help to care for him, and although giving up his independence has been hard, he is thankful for his mom and family for standing by his side as he faces such a challenge.

Wes looks forward to receiving a transplant that will allow him breathe freely for the first time, improve his quality of life, and give him back his independence. He enjoys reading, drawing, tending to his yard, and enjoying nature—but his health limits his activities now. Wes wants nothing more than to be healthy so he can breathe without struggling, return to his job as manager at Texas Roadhouse, and be able to live his life to the fullest. 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. Wes’s declining health forced him to leave his job, further adding to his financial burdens. 

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

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Baptist Integris Hospital