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Tom was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in January of 2006. Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive scarring of the
lungs. The scarring makes the lungs stiff making it difficult to breath. The cause of pulmonary
fibrosis is often unknown. In Tom's case it is the autoimmune disease scleroderma causing the exessive lung
scarring. Due to the progressive and aggressive nature of the disease the only medical option is lung transplantation.
Unfortunately, due to the complications of scleroderma, the closest hospital that is willing to perform a transplant is in
Pittsburgh PA. Being put on the list will mean Tom moving to Pittsburgh to await a lung while Cathy remains in Mass. One of
the stresses of this process therefore is the doubling of living expenses. A rent and a mortgage for example, and two utility
bills etc. for an undetermined amount of time.
Operation Breathe Easy is a non-profit organization created by friends of Tom and Cathy's to help defer
some of the costs for Tom's lung transplant. It was also created to spread the word about the importance of organ donation. .
According to the Network for Organ Sharing there are currently over 98,000 people in the United States waiting for an
organ. On average, 77 organ transplants take place every day. A single donor can save or enhance the lives of up
to 50 people. For more information on organ donation or how to become a donor, see the links on our "contact us"
page. Consider becoming an organ donor today. Your action could save many lives.
You have the power to donate life!
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