Family asks for support

To the editor: June Simpson is fighting for her life. This devoted wife, mother and grandmother began experiencing severe asthma attacks 15 years ago. She was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary fibrosis in 2006. June’s health has steadily declined since her diagnosis. Doctors say her only hope for a second chance at life is a double-lung transplant.

June’s illness prevents her from working or participating in activities she once loved. She has a constant dependency on an oxygen tank, which limits her mobility. June knows a lifesaving transplant will give her the freedom she enjoyed before her diagnosis.

She wants to once again be able to walk along the beach with her husband, Charles. She also looks forward to spending more time with her daughters, but she needs help.

Unfortunately, June’s hope for a new life comes at a high price. A double-lung transplant costs about $550,000 and that’s only the beginning. Even with medical coverage, June will face significant expenses. For the rest of her life, she will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications.

The cost of post-transplant medications can range from $2,000-$5,000 per month—and they are as critical to her survival as the transplant itself. In the short term, June needs $15,000 before she can even be listed for a transplant. Because the transplant center is more than 200 miles from her home, she will incur substantial travel expenses, further adding to her financial burden.

What if your life depended on the compassion and generosity of others? The National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) is working with volunteers and supporters to help relieve the growing burden of expenses for June and her family. NFT has been assisting transplant patients with advocacy and fund-raising support for more than 25 years. Your gift of $25, $50, $100 or more will enable NFT to provide June with the financial support she desperately needs.

You can help in the following ways:

1) Send a tax-deductible donation to NFT South Carolina Lung Fund, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please write “in honor of June Simpson” on the memo line.

2) Visit www.transplants.org to make a secure online donation. Select “Patients We Help” and search for June Simpson.

If you have any questions about NFT, their services or volunteering, feel free to contact the NFT staff at (800) 489-3863.