Teresa Kessler (74) has been happily married to her husband, Joseph, for 40 years. They have two adult twin daughters. Joseph and her girls have always been so supportive and been there for her whenever she needed. She always loved to travel and wanted to see more, but her health condition has prevented her from being able to continue her travels.

Six years ago, Teresa fell at work and fractured her ribs. She went to the hospital where doctors discovered spots on her lungs. Teresa was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease, a condition that causes progressive scarring of lung tissue. The scarring started out slow, but over the last few year has greatly affected her ability to breathe and get enough oxygen. “I started needing oxygen at night as my levels dipped dangerously low when I slept,” Teresa said. “From there it has progressed within two months to needing two liters of oxygen constantly.”

Teresa is now fully dependent on the assistance of an aid to help with her basic needs like taking a bath and getting dressed. In late August 2017, Teresa unknowingly caught a virus. On October 10, she went into septic shock and was rushed to the intensive care unit. Her bowels had become swollen which put pressure on her heart and her lungs filled with fluid. She was in a rehabilitation facility for a month. Since the cold weather makes her condition worse, her family is working on moving her to Florida to be closer to them and ensure she has all of the help she needs.

Due to her medical needs, Teresa requires special medical transportation so she has oxygen and a nurse throughout the whole trip. Her family hopes to raise $7,270 through RedBasket.org to cover the cost of her medical transportation. “Reaching this goal will give me peace of mind that I can live what time I have left with my family in our new home,” said Teresa. Help this mother get the necessary transportation by making a tax-deductible donation and sharing her story today!