NORTH CHARLESTON (WCSC) - A North Charleston woman is in need of a double-lung transplant, but cannot afford it. Volunteers are planning several fundraisers to help her.
In 2003, Chantay Evans-Glisson began experiencing shortness of breath and wheezing. After an X-ray and other tests, she was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, which caused inflammation in the lymph nodes in her lungs. Although medical professionals say this is not a hereditary disease, two members of her family have also suffered from it; one passed away from the illness. Her lungs are currently functioning at only 25 percent, and doctors say a double-lung transplant is critical to her survival. Before she can be added to the transplant waiting list, she must raise at least $10,000 to prove she can afford her post-transplant medications and care.
Just days after her wedding, Evans-Glisson received her diagnosis. She and her husband, Timmy, have three children between them, and this illness has been difficult for the entire family. The blended families haven’t had as much time as they would like to become a strong family unit because Evans-Glisson has spent her entire marriage battling sarcoidosis.
Evans-Glisson, 47, loves being active and looks forward to having the energy to go bowling, dancing, horseback riding and playing tennis. She is extremely grateful for the love and support of her family and friends, as they have remained by her side every step of the way. After receiving her transplant, she hopes to give back to the transplant community by helping others in similar situations.
A double-lung transplant costs approximately $650,000. Even with health coverage, she will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications for the rest of her life. The cost of her post-transplant medications can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month, and they are as critical to her survival as the transplant itself.
When she receives her transplant, Evans-Glisson must temporarily relocate more than 300 miles from her home to be near the transplant center during recovery, incurring travel expenses. She enjoyed her job in computer networking, but her declining health prevents her from working, adding to the financial strain.
To help offset these expenses, Evans-Glisson turned to the National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) for assistance. NFT is a nonprofit organization that helps patients raise funds to pay for transplant-related expenses.
“Can you imagine fighting for every single breath you take?” said Lauren Wilmer, NFT fundraising consultant. “That’s the reality for Chantay. While most of us take the act of breathing for granted, she’s painfully aware of each breath. But she’s a fighter, and she is determined to overcome this illness so she can spend many more years with her family and friends. NFT is committed to helping Chantay raise the necessary funds so she can get on the waiting list as soon as possible.”
Volunteers are planning several upcoming fundraisers, and the community is encouraged to attend:
A fish dinner Friday, Jan. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at House of God Church, 2214 Adair St. in Accabee. Dinners must be pre-ordered by Jan. 18, and they can be picked up at the church or delivered at no additional charge. The cost is $8 per meal and includes 2 pieces of fried fish, red rice, green beans, macaroni and cheese, cornbread and cake. To place an order, please contact Jannie Brown at 843-412-1035 or leolady127@yahoo.com
A gospel concert is planned for Saturday, Feb. 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sterett Hall, 1530 7th St. and Hobson Ave. in North Charleston. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and can be purchased at Honest John Gospel Records and CDs, 509 King Street, 843-722-9496.
A hat show will be held Saturday, March 10. Event details will be provided in a future press release.
For questions or more information about any of these fundraisers, please contact Jannie Brown at 843-412-1035 or leolady127@yahoo.com
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