Let me hear you say, Lungs yeah!
She’s gotta get a double set, yeah!
We gonna help her get there?
Oh ‘LL yeah!!
Needing a transplant of any kind is a daunting concept, but imagine if it was your reality?
Chris Dolat is a devoted mom, wife, grandmother (Lolli), aunt and friend to so many and is facing just that: her new reality of needing a double lung transplant. Let’s admit, this is not a journey anyone does alone. She’s going to need all of our support.
As a mom of three kids, she has always been dedicated to supporting her children in all their journeys, through endless amounts of sports and activities. Cheering on her kids the whole way. Literally. Like maybe even 8,674 (per kid) of baseball games or track meets of cheering. She was always there to support them. And now with her grandkids and their sports and academics, still always cheering. Being there for all her kids’ and grandkids’ achievements has been a huge part of her life, her priorities, and in turn her happiness. But it has become harder over the last couple of years to physically attend all the events and activities that she would normally never miss. Often, she is forced to sit out the activities she always loved with her family because one of the basics of functions, breathing, is a challenge most days. Doing the simple day-to-day things like laundry, and cooking can be exhausting, leaving little energy to do the things she loves, like family time around a campfire, swimming in the backyard pool, walking the beach, camping with friends and grandchildren, etc. activities that always bring so much joy. Of all the things she could $u@k at, it has to be breathing 🤣
After a recently failed procedure to try to improve the air circulation to the good part of her lungs, the doctors have now recommended a double lung transplant.
Chris recently finished the testing the transplant team requires to be approved to be placed on the transplant list. Her medical team is asking that there is a medical fund in place for things like unexpected medications, equipment, and additional hospital bills. They rightfully, won’t approve new organs if one isn’t in a position to do everything it takes to be successful.
The medical journey ahead is undoubtedly a long and complex one… and an expensive one. With frequent trips to Boston needed, parking, gas, tolls, and hotels for her husband to remain by her side and nearby during treatment after discharge, costs that aren’t covered by insurance will likely be high. Even if a transplant isn’t feasible, or it takes a large amount of time for compatible lungs, her health will worsen and appointments and treatments will still be necessary. The weight of the financial burden isn’t something she or her family should consider as they bear the burden of the already intense decisions ahead in going through a double lung transplant. The costs are enough to make anyone just about lose their breath, and it's just not something someone still so young should have to be faced with; especially, in weighing whether they proceed or not with a procedure that may restore some of their quality of life and ability to return to the people and activities that fill her heart.
So, let me hear you say, Lungs yeah!
We’re gonna help her get a double set, yeah!
We’re gonna help her get there!
Oh ‘LL yeah!!
Latest update as of Jul 02, 2024
-
double lung transplant
On morning of Thursday, June 27th, we received a life-changing phone call, the call informed my wife Chris that after the long 14 month wait on the UNOS list there were donor lungs available and she would be receiving a double lung transplant. Our hearts raced with a mix of hope and trepidation as we realized the magnitude of this moment.
With our daughter by our side, we headed to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. The drive was filled with a whirlwind of emotions, anticipation, and prayers for a successful outcome.
After arriving at the hospital meet with the surgeon and anesthesiologist who took the time to meticulously explain the intricate details of the procedure, answering all our questions with patience and compassion. Their professionalism and expertise instilled confidence and trust in us.The transplant team at Massachusetts General Hospital was truly remarkable. They exuded a level of care and dedication that went above and beyond our expectations, which gave us comfort and confidence in the surgery to come. But our hearts still skipped a beat as my wife was finally wheeled away into the operating room.
The waiting hours were filled with anxiety and hope. The MGH did their best to eeliviate some of the worry by keeping us updated from the operating room with calls from the nurse informing us when the surgery had begun. Throughout the night, nurses diligently called every few hours, providing updates on the progress of the surgery. These calls were a lifeline, offering us a sense of reassurance and connection during this critical time.
After an all night surgery the nurse informed us that the surgery had concluded successfully. Overjoyed and relieved, we eagerly met with the surgeon who explained every aspect of the surgery and confirming that everything had gone exceptionally well.
The sight of her resting in the ICU surrounded by medical equipment, brought tears of joy to our eyes.
Throughout this extraordinary journey, we were amazed by the level of care and communication provided by the hospital staff. They kept us well-informed at every step, ensuring that we felt supported and involved in the process.
The successful double lung transplant has transformed my wife's life, granting her a renewed chance at living fully. We will be eternally grateful to the medical professionals, nurses, and support staff at Massachusetts General Hospital for their exceptional care and dedication. Their unwavering commitment has made this life-changing experience as bearable and positive as possible.
After only a few days in the ICU Chris is has displayed resilience and remarkable progress despite the challenges she faced. I am fully aware that the road ahead will be fraught with both triumphs and setbacks. However, I am confident that with the unwavering support of our loving family and friends, as well as the exceptional care provided by the dedicated staff at Massachusetts General Hospital, she will overcome every hurdle that comes her way.
Her journey in the ICU has been an emotional one. Through it all, she has never lost her fighting spirit. She has faced each challenge head-on, determined to regain her health and return to her normal life.
The staff at Mass General Hospital has been and will continue to be instrumental in her recovery. Their expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication have made a profound difference. They have gone above and beyond to ensure that she receives the best possible care. I am eternally grateful for their tireless efforts.
I know that the road to recovery will be long and arduous. There will be days when progress seems slow, and setbacks may occur. However, I am confident that with her strength, determination, and the support of her loved ones, she will ultimately prevail.
This journey has taught me the importance of perseverance, hope, and the power of love. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that a supportive community can have on an individual's healing process. I am eternally grateful for the love and support that we have received during this challenging time. It has given us the strength to carry on, one day at a time. Read More
About this fundraiser
Organized by
Samantha Start
Worcester, MA, USA
OrganizerRon Dolat
This fundraiser will directly support
Chris Dolat
Comments (21)
Updates (9)
double lung transplant
Jul 02, 2024
On morning of Thursday, June 27th, we received a life-changing phone call, the call informed my wife Chris that after the long 14 month wait on the UNOS list there were donor lungs available and she would be receiving a double lung transplant. Our hearts raced with a mix of hope and trepidation as we realized the magnitude of this moment.
With our daughter by our side, we headed to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. The drive was filled with a whirlwind of emotions, anticipation, and prayers for a successful outcome.
After arriving at the hospital meet with the surgeon and anesthesiologist who took the time to meticulously explain the intricate details of the procedure, answering all our questions with patience and compassion. Their professionalism and expertise instilled confidence and trust in us.The transplant team at Massachusetts General Hospital was truly remarkable. They exuded a level of care and dedication that went above and beyond our expectations, which gave us comfort and confidence in the surgery to come. But our hearts still skipped a beat as my wife was finally wheeled away into the operating room.
The waiting hours were filled with anxiety and hope. The MGH did their best to eeliviate some of the worry by keeping us updated from the operating room with calls from the nurse informing us when the surgery had begun. Throughout the night, nurses diligently called every few hours, providing updates on the progress of the surgery. These calls were a lifeline, offering us a sense of reassurance and connection during this critical time.
After an all night surgery the nurse informed us that the surgery had concluded successfully. Overjoyed and relieved, we eagerly met with the surgeon who explained every aspect of the surgery and confirming that everything had gone exceptionally well.
The sight of her resting in the ICU surrounded by medical equipment, brought tears of joy to our eyes.
Throughout this extraordinary journey, we were amazed by the level of care and communication provided by the hospital staff. They kept us well-informed at every step, ensuring that we felt supported and involved in the process.
The successful double lung transplant has transformed my wife's life, granting her a renewed chance at living fully. We will be eternally grateful to the medical professionals, nurses, and support staff at Massachusetts General Hospital for their exceptional care and dedication. Their unwavering commitment has made this life-changing experience as bearable and positive as possible.
After only a few days in the ICU Chris is has displayed resilience and remarkable progress despite the challenges she faced. I am fully aware that the road ahead will be fraught with both triumphs and setbacks. However, I am confident that with the unwavering support of our loving family and friends, as well as the exceptional care provided by the dedicated staff at Massachusetts General Hospital, she will overcome every hurdle that comes her way.
Her journey in the ICU has been an emotional one. Through it all, she has never lost her fighting spirit. She has faced each challenge head-on, determined to regain her health and return to her normal life.
The staff at Mass General Hospital has been and will continue to be instrumental in her recovery. Their expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication have made a profound difference. They have gone above and beyond to ensure that she receives the best possible care. I am eternally grateful for their tireless efforts.
I know that the road to recovery will be long and arduous. There will be days when progress seems slow, and setbacks may occur. However, I am confident that with her strength, determination, and the support of her loved ones, she will ultimately prevail.
This journey has taught me the importance of perseverance, hope, and the power of love. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that a supportive community can have on an individual's healing process. I am eternally grateful for the love and support that we have received during this challenging time. It has given us the strength to carry on, one day at a time. Read More
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Tyler Wolanin | $50
11mos agoGood luck Chris!
Ted and Jadwiga Wilbur | $200
11mos agoWe are confident you will get through this!
Lissette & Jose | $150
1yr agoWe are praying for you and your family.
Regina Renaud | $100
1yr agoYou are in my prayers. Praying for a success.
Pamela Mensah | $50
1yr agoWe love you Auntie Chris! ❤ Emmanuel & Sarah