Duke called

Duke called today and accepted me into their program!! My flying pigs are definitely fitting for this moment that a few months ago seemed so out of reach! We know we can tackle the next set of challenges in front of us because of our amazing support system!! Thank you for all of the love and prayers! Go Blue Devils!

Hello to all. Just a quick update. We have not heard back from Duke. I know many of you were waiting, as were we. We were told that they would meet on Tuesday to discuss Laura's case, but it can happen that the meetings are delayed, or our case wasn't discussed in that particular meeting. So we wait. Hopefully, we will be on the agenda next week.

Until then, Laura is increasing her workouts to gain strength and focusing on the caloric intake to gain weight.

More to come.

Cheers

It was a long two days, but the meetings and evaluations went well. The transplant team will meet next Tuesday to discuss Laura's case. We will learn more next week.

Thank you all for the kind thoughts and prayers. We appreciate you all.

She is done.

Cheers,

334Todd Imura, Robert Sinkin and 332 others

97 Comments

1 Share

Like

Comment

Share

 Happy Saturday to all. A quick update.

Duke has asked us to fly out for two days of onsite evaluations. We are a bit anxious about flying in a pandemic, so we will have to figure that out, but it is good news that they are taking the next step in the process.

Thank you all for the support.

Cheers to all!

 Hello to all,

It has been some time since we/I have provided an update, and in doing so today, I also have an ask.

Last winter, Laura was having some breathing issues and felt that something was not right. After numerous tests, the doctors determined that she was again in chronic rejection. Not the best news during a pandemic.

Following the diagnosis, she tried numerous procedures to slow her decline, but nothing was effective. As we entered fall, her lung function was in the high 20% range and required her to be on oxygen 24/7. Today she is confined to a wheelchair and in need of a 3rd double lung transplant.

Entering into the testing and evaluation stage for the third has been difficult. Due to the two prior rejections, doctors are concerned that a third outcome would be similar. Couple that with the actual surgery, which is very complex and difficult for the patient. (To date, there have been less than 20 third lung transplants in the US.)

We have gone through the review phase with UCLA, St. Joe's, and UCSF. All have declined Laura for a third. Tomorrow she will complete the last test for pre-evaluation for Duke. Duke is the leader in third transplants, completing 8. After tomorrow's final test, the team will send her results to Duke for review. When we clear that hurdle, we will then fly to Duke for an onside evaluation. That would then place her on the list for a third transplant.

We are fortunate to have a group of friends that provides so much support. Team Laura has enabled our family to make it through two previous transplants, and we would really like a third. So the ask, if you could continue to send your positive energy over the next few days, maybe a little extra if it could be spared, given the times, it would be greatly appreciated. We would have never made it this far without you all. We can not express the gratitude we have for all of you. We can not thank you enough.

Cheers,

The Zs

 Happy Holidays to all. We hope you are enjoying the holidays. We wanted to thank you so much for the generous donations to Strong and Salty. Laura and been working with UCSF to coordinate the distribution of the funds. Everyone is very excited, and your donations will make a difference.

Several people have asked how to donate. There are links within the website listed below to donate online. The other option is to send a check: The check should be made out to the Social Good Fund, and StrongandSalty should be listed in the note field. You can mail those checks to:

StrongandSalty

460 Center Street, P.O. Box 6249

Moraga, CA 94579

In both cases, you will receive a receipt for tax purposes.

We hope everyone stays safe, enjoy the time with friends and family.

Cheers,

The Zellmers

Happy Fall to all,

We hope you are all enduring through these times.  I wanted to make everyone away that the foundation that Laura started is now online.  www.strongandsalty.org is live!!!!   It took a bit longer than expected but is the start of something great.

Please take a look. Please share with friends and family.

More to come. 

Cheers,

The Z's