Frances Cullen

Fran Cullen

Transplant Type:   Double Lung

What if you were living on borrowed time?     

Fran Cullen is fighting for her life. She was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder known as pulmonary fibrosis.  Her condition has continued to worsen, and now doctors say a double lung transplant is critical to her survival. While awaiting her transplant, Fran relies on an oxygen tank for every breath.   

This has been a difficult time for Fran, as she is used to being much more independent and active. She is thankful for her husband, Bill, their four sons, daughters-in-law, eleven grandchildren, family, and friends, who have been by her side every step of the way.  She wishes that they did not need to be so concerned about her health but is grateful for their love and support. Before her health began to decline, Fran enjoyed playing on a dart league, cooking for the Knights of Columbus bingo nights, and being active in church events, but these days, her activities are quite limited.   She looks forward to the transplant that will allow her to live her life fully again. More than anything, Fran wishes to be free from her oxygen tank so that she can dance with her husband, go to the beach, and watch her grandchildren grow up, but right now, she needs your help.

Unfortunately, Fran’s hope for a new life comes at a very high price.

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

Fran must travel more than two and a half hours to reach her transplant center for evaluations and doctors’ appointments. When she receives her transplant, Fran and Bill will need to stay near the hospital for at least three months during recovery, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging, adding to the financial strain.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to the National Foundation for Transplants in honor of Fran.  

If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the National Foundation for Transplants, 3249 W. Sarazen’s Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125.  Please be sure to write "in honor of Fran Cullen” in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity! 

Transplant Center:   Shands Hospital at the University of Florida

If you have any questions about The National Foundation for Transplants, feel free to contact the staff at 800-489-3863.