Fundraiser planned for Bothell woman who needs double-lung transplant

Debbie Uhrick is fighting for her life.

In 2005, she was diagnosed with a muscle disease so rare that only one in 10 million people suffer from it. Unfortunately, it has caused a number of health issues including reflux, thyroid, blood pressure and now lung disease. This last illness has caused the right side of her heart to pump blood too fast, and she’ll need new lungs to correct the situation.

Without a transplant, Uhrick’s doctors estimate she only has two years to live; doctors say a double lung transplant is critical to her survival.

During this difficult time, Uhrick is grateful for the love and support of her husband, Gary, and her son and daughter-in-law, Kyle and Tatum. Gary has been by her side every step of the way. He faithfully assists her and drives her to all of her appointments. After she receives her transplant, she looks forward to living life free from an oxygen tank and going dancing with her husband

The average double-lung transplant costs more than $1 million. Even with insurance, which will cover a portion of the transplant cost, she still faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of her life, she will need follow-up care and anti-rejection medications, which are critical to her survival.

For fundraising support and guidance, Uhrick and her family turned to the National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) for assistance with some of these financial burdens. NFT is a nonprofit organization that helps patients raise funds to pay for transplant-related expenses through their community-based fundraising program.

“I’m hopeful Debbie will receive her transplant soon,” said Kristen Ball, NFT fundraising consultant. “It’s wonderful to see so many people who love and care about her, and I know this event will be a success. At NFT, we’re dedicated to helping her raise the funds she needs to afford her lifesaving treatment and care.”

Starting at 9 a.m. July 8, volunteers will host “Debbie’s New Lungs: Yard and Bake Sale” at the Country Club Estates located on 23708 Locust Way, Space 27A, in Bothell.

To make a tax-deductible donation in honor of Uhrick, please send a contribution to the NFT Washington Transplant Fund, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write “in honor of Debbie Uhrick” on the memo line. Secure donations also can be made online at www.transplants.org. Donors should click on “Find an NFT Patient” to locate Uhrick.

This is taken from a National Foundation for Transplants news release.