Story
In 2018, at just 39 years old, my brother-in-law, Brian Boedeker, was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)—a chronic, progressive lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs and makes it increasingly difficult to breathe. Since then, this hardworking, devoted father of five has watched his world become smaller and more difficult with every passing year.
Brian is now completely dependent on oxygen and can no longer do the simple things we all take for granted—walking across the room, going to work, or playing with his kids. After a lifetime of physically demanding work as a mason, having started his trade at just 17 years old, Brian now faces a long, uncertain road as he prepares for a double lung transplant—the only option left to save his life.
Why We Are Asking for Help
The transplant itself is only the beginning.
Even before surgery, the process requires a mountain of testing, evaluations, and pre-transplant care. But the real challenge begins post-transplant, where Brian will undergo an intense 6 to 12-month recovery period filled with:
Frequent hospital visits (up to 5 days per week) for blood work, medication adjustments, and infection monitoring
Costly immunosuppressant drugs and medications needed for life
Extended hospital stays and follow-up appointments
Physical therapy and pulmonary rehab
A stair lift and other home adjustments to keep him safe
Transportation costs for regular visits to the transplant center
Ongoing deductibles and copays for long-term care
During this time, Brian will be unable to work, and my sister, Jaclyn, will be serving as his full-time caregiver. With the kids to care for, this will place their family under extraordinary financial stress.
About Brian
Brian is a devoted father. From playing outside with his children and all of the neighborhood kids to driving down the shore to the campground and spending long days on the beach and nights on the boardwalk, Brian has always been ready to jump in and be part of the fun, whatever his family and friends are doing.
Unfortunately, it has become increasingly more difficult for Brian to engage in these activities and keep up with the day-to-day lifestyle he has helped to create for his family. As my nephew, Ryder, said, “I pray that Dad can get his transplant quickly so he can be healthy and a part of our summer fun.”
Brian is known for his extreme sense of loyalty and his great sense of humor. He is always there to help the people in his life, no matter how big or small the need. He has the biggest heart, and he is beloved by the people in his church community for always demonstrating his love, spirit, and faith.
As some of you know, Brian and my sister have a unique relationship, but one that has always been grounded by their love for each other. I have seen how difficult it has been for my sister to watch the person that she loves so much continue to lose his ability to be himself and live his life freely. While I know my sister is ready to take care of Brian after the surgery and attend to his needs, I can only imagine how afraid she must be of what the future holds for her family. Most importantly, I know we are all hoping that Brian has the chance to live his life as the man that he has always been.
How You Can Help
We are asking for your support to give Brian the chance to heal—to breathe freely again, to spend more time with his family, and to one day return to the life he worked so hard to build.
Your donation will go directly toward:
Critical medical expenses (pre and post-transplant)
Medication and long-term care
Home equipment to ensure safety during recovery
Transportation to and from the lung center
Supporting the family while Brian is out of work
Every contribution, no matter the size, brings Brian and his family one step closer to recovery and stability. Please consider donating, sharing this page, and keeping Brian and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping give Brian and his family a second chance at life.
Organizers :
Jessica Hughes is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Brian Boedeker.