James McGuigan, Urgent Need of a Double Lung Transplant

Help James, Breathe Again

We are reaching out for support for James McGuigan, who is courageously battling end-stage lung disease and urgently needs a double lung transplant to survive. James is facing the fight of his life. His condition has left him dependent on an oxygen machine 24/7 and unable to work, while the financial strain of mounting medical bills, prescriptions, and daily living expenses threatens to overwhelm his family. Leaving them struggling to afford the care he desperately needs.

A Journey of Resilience and Heartbreak

Earlier this year, James endured a critical setback when he contracted the flu, developed severe hypercapnia leading to acidosis. On January 20, 2025, James was rushed to the emergency room, his oxygen levels were at 57% and his lips and tongue were blue requiring immediate medical intervention. James was placed on life support, intubated and not able to fully breathe on his own. He was placed on mechanical ventilation and a feeding tube to provide a means for nutrition. James was hospitalized for 10 days. When he returned home, he was placed on numerous medications, on a home oxygen machine and separate ventilator machine to remove the carbon dioxide from his lungs. He will be on these machines until he is able to receive a doouble lung transplant.

Since then, he has faced numerous complications and setbacks on his road to recovery. Most recently, he suffered the heartbreaking sudden loss of his mother, Lucy from an abdominal aortic rupture, compounding the emotional and financial challenges he and his family are facing.

Why Your Help Matters

The costs associated with a double lung transplant are staggering. Even with insurance, the out-of-pocket expenses for medications-especially the life-long, costly anti-rejection drugs-doctor visits, hospital stays, and post-surgery care are immense. After transplant surgery, James will require 16–18 weeks of intensive recovery and round-the-clock care. His spouse, Paula, who is also his primary caregiver, will need to take unpaid leave of absence from work to provide this essential care, leaving the family with no income during this critical period.

Your donation will help cover:

• Pre-transplant care
• Prescription and medical costs not covered by insurance
• Hospital and doctor bills
• Travel expenses for transplant care to and from transplant center 
• Daily living expenses during recovery, when James and his spouse Paula are unable to work
• Emergency funds for complications, including the risk of organ rejection

How You Can Make a Difference

Every contribution, no matter the size, will directly support James and his family as they navigate this lifesaving but financially devastating journey. Your support will provide hope, stability, and the chance for James to return to the life he loves with his children and family.

Ways to Help:

• Donate to this fundraiser-every dollar brings us closer to our goal
• Share James” story with your network and on social media
• Send words of encouragement and keep our family in your thoughts and prayers

Thank You for Your Compassion

Your generosity will help James breathe easier and give his family the strength to face the challenges ahead. Please consider donating and sharing our story together, we can give James the gift of life and hope for a brighter future. 

With deepest appriciation.

The McGuigan Family