Mark Oakley

Mark Oakley 

Transplant Type:   Double Lung 

What if you were living on borrowed time?  

Mark Oakley is fighting for his life. In October 2020, he was hospitalized and diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis after he had experienced extreme shortness of breath since August of the same year. Unfortunately, his conditioned has continued to deteriorate.  Now doctors say a lung transplant is critical for his survival.  

During such a challenging time, Mark is thankful to be surrounded by a strong support system of family and friends. His beautiful wife, Marian, has been by his side every step of the way. Their wonderful family and friends have provided much needed love, encouragement and help around their home to make sure everything is taken care of. While it’s been very hard for Mark and Marian, these circumstances have also brought them closer together, strengthened their trust in each other and the Lord, and given them perspective on what matters most in life.  

Before he became ill, Mark enjoyed taking walks, spending time with loved ones, and going out on the town. He dreams of being well enough to enjoy these things again someday. More than anything, he wants to be healthy enough to take care of Marian the way she has always taken care of him. But right now, he needs your help.

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

The average lung transplant costs approximately $929,000. And that is only the beginning. Even with health insurance, which will cover some of the cost of the transplant, he faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they’re as critical to his survival as the transplant itself. 

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

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 Mark Oakley” in the memo line. 

Thank you for your generosity! 

Transplant Center:   Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Transplant Center) 

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