Roman Hall the son of Guyanese parents is a normal 16 year old young man in every way except he suffers from Cystic Fibrosis.
Roman is the youngest of four siblings, the youngest three of whom were diagnosed with the disease shortly after birth. Angel, the eldest of the three CF patients, had two double lung transplants and is now 24 years old, the second Rojeana Auriel Hall died on October 14, 2012 at age 19 from complications of the disease.
Roman has been recently added to the transplant list for a pair of lungs when they become available.
Roman needs our help now. The anticipated transplant-related expenses is expected to be $50,000.00 and does not include the additional expenses of accommodation, travel and other support expenses for his family who must accompany him on all visits to hospitals, doctors and treatment centers.
The family have now left their home in Florida and temporarily taken up residence in Texas, where the transplant will be performed.
Please circulate this article to friends, family, organizations, churches so that we can do our part in getting Roman the necessary medical help he needs. Donate as much you can, tell as many people as you can; let's make a difference.
"Our children are our future"
Read more:
Damned Shadow called CF (Cystic Fibrosis)
My Successful double lung transplant
About Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that:
- clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and
- obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.
In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.
Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis
People with CF can have a variety of symptoms, including:
- very salty-tasting skin;
- persistent coughing, at times with phlegm;
- frequent lung infections;
- wheezing or shortness of breath;
- poor growth/weight gain in spite of a good appetite; and
- frequent greasy, bulky stools or difficulty in bowel movements.
Statistics
- About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year.
- More than 70% of patients are diagnosed by age two.
- More than 45% of the CF patient population is age 18 or older.
- The predicted median age of survival for a person with CF is in the late 30s.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Since 1955, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been the driving force behind the pursuit of a cure. Thanks to the dedication and financial backing of our supporters, patients, families and friends, clinicians, researchers, volunteers, individual donors, corporations and staff, we are making a difference.