Woman Needing Lung Transplant Travels to Evaluation
Needing A New Lung
In 2011, Catellia found out she had three conditions that negatively affected her lungs. She has been on oxygen ever since. But oxygen alone doesn’t solve the problem. Doctors told Catellia she needed a lung transplant.
Lungs are among the most important organs a person can receive, but they are also among the most difficult to harvest. The waiting list for a lung can range anywhere from three months to two years or more. Statistically speaking, only one in five lungs is viable for a transplant. This is because lungs are delicate organs that are vulnerable to injury or infection.
Turned Down Twice
The difficulty that comes with receiving a lung transplant was greater than usual for Catellia. She lives in a rural area of Mississippi, where it’s hard to find transplant specialists. From there, she had good news and bad news. The good news: three hospitals in Texas could help her. The bad news: each one required a nine-hour drive or longer.
“I had been to three hospitals,” said Catellia, “and two of them turned me down. They said my case was too complicated.” Finally, the third hospital accepted her.
High Cost...
Adding to these problems, Catellia needed a big van to accommodate her oxygen equipment for the long drive. Gas is expensive for vehicles like hers. She had to refill the tank at least twice on the way.
The financial cost was steep. But if she couldn’t pay for the gas, it would take an even higher cost – her life.
...Now Relieved
That was when Mercy Medical Angels’ ground transportation program stepped in. The nonprofit sent Catellia gas cards, enabling her to save a considerable amount of money. She was able to receive the evaluation.
When the evaluation was complete, Catellia was one step closer to receiving a life-saving lung transplant.
“A Great Help”
Catellia’s journey isn’t over yet. But thanks to the gas cards from Mercy Medical Angels’ ground transportation program, she has a better chance of surviving – and someday thriving.
“It was a great help - thank you, Mercy Medical Angels!”
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