Stories from Grateful Patients: Nicole

April 14, 2025

In Her Own Words...

"About four years ago, I was diagnosed with a very rare autoimmune disease that was aggressively attacking my lungs. Within a matter of months, I went from being a healthy person to being unable to walk or get dressed without 8 liters of oxygen."


"I was then diagnosed with multiple co-occurring conditions: pulmonary hypertension, chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia and hypercapnia, interstitial lung disease, and inflammatory polyarthritis. On top of all this, my immune system was suppressed. I had to be referred to National Jewish Health in Denver for specialized treatment that's not available locally. This is the nation's leading lung hospital."


"Having been to travel 2-3 times per year by plane has added up to huge travel costs. I couldn't afford it anymore. Thankfully, Mercy Medical Angels and the Hogan Family Foundation have assisted me with numerous flights over the past several years. Being able to travel to National Jewish Health for care has truly saved my life. Without their support, I doubt I could have made as many trips to Denver as needed, and I can only imagine how my health might have continued to decline. Instead, I’ve received highly specialized care, and my health continues to improve."



~Nicole

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