Christine Capriati

Christine Capriati 

Transplant Type:   Double Lung

What if you were living on borrowed time?  

Christine Capriati is fighting for her life. At fifteen years old, she was diagnosed with asthma and as an adult, early-stage chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD), but her symptoms continued to progress as she got older.   In July 2021, Christine went into respiratory arrest and was rushed to the ER.  She was formally diagnosed with idiopathic stage 4 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and Christine was told that her illness was terminal.   Doctors believe that she was born with a genetic disorder known as pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) which caused the PAH. Doctors say a double lung transplant is critical to her survival. While awaiting her transplant, she must rely on an oxygen tank for every breath.     

This has been a difficult time for Christine, as she is used to being much more independent and active. She is thankful for her three sons, family, and friends, who have been by her side every step of the way.  She wishes that they did not need to be so concerned about her health but is grateful for their love and support. Christine was always the supermom who was up for any adventure with her sons: camping, boating, dirt bike riding, etc., but these days, her activities are extremely limited.   Christine looks forward to the transplant that will allow her to be the active mother and grandmother that she longs to be.  More than anything, she wants the opportunity to get to know her granddaughter and share many more adventures with her children, but right now, she needs your help. 

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

The average double lung transplant costs more than $1 million. And that is only the beginning. Even with insurance, which will cover the cost of her transplant, she still faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of her life, she will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications.  These medications are extremely expensive and are as critical to her survival as the transplant itself. 

Christine must travel almost four hours in traffic to reach her transplant center for evaluations and doctors’ appointments. Before she receives her transplant, Christine and her caregiver will need to immediately relocate to be near the transplant center.  After her transplant, they will need to stay close the hospital for up to a year, during recovery, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging, adding to the financial strain.

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

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 Christine Capriati” in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity! 

Transplant Center:    UC San Diego Health 

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