Help me keep breathing and keep living life

$11,557 of $10,000 goal
Given by 97 generous donors in 24 days

Please help me maintain my ‘normal’ as I navigate through my next chapter.

Manawatu / Whanganui

10 years ago at the age of 31 I was diagnosed with a rare genetic lung condition called Alpha1 Antitrypsin deficiency which had resulted in early onset emphysema and severe COPD. I’ve managed it pretty well over those years but now it has progressed to the stage that my lung function is 17% of what it should be and the struggle for me is very real, its also starting to damage my other organs, moderate pulmonary hypertension means it’s affecting my heart.

As a result of this progression I am now needing supplementary oxygen on mobilisation (which seems like it’s going to be most of the time) and am also being referred to the Transplant team to assess if I am a candidate for a double lung transplant. I need to rebuild my strength to do this.

I want to continue my life normally as much as I can. I want to keep working, gardening and enjoying my friends and family. The only funded options are large o2 cylinders on a trolley which is cumbersome and awkward for me. To make this easier I need a portable o2 concentrator which is not funded. Around $6800. Any other funds raise would help with anything else I’ll need in the future.

Below is a link to information about my lung condition if you’re interested and if you haven’t thought about it I urge you to consider organ donation as it can save many lives.

Use of funds

Portable o2 concentrator so I can continue to work and live life.

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Latest update

Thank you   2 February 2025

I can’t thank everyone for their support of the last couple of weeks. It’s been a difficult transition to our new normal and the emotions around the possibility of a transplant are very complex. Your love and support not only means I can upgrade Frank the Tank to Connie the concentrator but it’s given us a heap of strength when needed. Any extra funds will be used for servicing and filters etc. as well as putting funds aside for our likely trip to the transplant assessment unit in Auckland. A huge huge thank you to you all.

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Latest donations

Guest Donor
Guest Donor 4 days ago
$100
Aimee Carruthers

Thank you ❤️

Aimee Carruthers
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 10 Feb 2025
Wishing you all the best.
$300
Aimee Carruthers

So kind, thank you

Aimee Carruthers
Caroline
Caroline on 09 Feb 2025
$100
Aimee Carruthers

Thank you so much

Aimee Carruthers
Sus
Sus on 05 Feb 2025
Inspirational ♥️
$50
Aimee Carruthers

Thanks Sus ❤️

Aimee Carruthers
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 05 Feb 2025
Private
Aimee Carruthers

Thank you ❤️

Aimee Carruthers

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This campaign started on 25 Jan 2025 and ends on 25 Feb 2025.