Raising Cane’s holds fundraiser in honor of local transplant patient

Special to Leader-Press
 
In 1998, Copperas Cove resident Tammy Craddock was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy. This came as quite a shock to her as there is no history of heart disease in her family. 
Since she was diagnosed, Craddock’s health has steadily declined. In October, she received an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device), a mechanical pump that is implanted in a person’s chest to help a weakened heart pump blood. Doctors say a heart transplant is critical to her survival.
The average heart transplant costs over $1 million. Even with insurance, which will cover a portion of the transplant costs, she still faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of her life, she will need follow-up care and anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they’re as critical to her survival as the transplant itself.
For fundraising support and guidance, Craddock turned to the National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) for assistance with some of her financial burdens. NFT is a nonprofit organization that helps patients raise funds to pay for transplant-related expenses. 
“This is such an overwhelming time for Tammy and her family,” said Kristen Ball, NFT fundraising consultant. “At NFT, we want nothing more than to see her lead a happy, healthy life without constantly worrying about her medical expenses.”
On November 7, from 5-9 p.m., volunteers will host a Raising Cane’s Fundraiser in honor of Craddock at Raising Cane’s at 2730 E. Business Hwy. 190 in Copperas Cove.
Raising Cane’s will donate 15 percent of sales to the National Foundation for Transplants in Craddock’s honor, as long as the customer mentions the National Foundation for Transplants when ordering.
To make a tax-deductible donation in honor of Craddock, please send a contribution to the NFT Texas Transplant Fund, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 850, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write “in honor of Tammy Craddock” on the memo line. Secure donations also can be made online at www.transplants.org. Donors should click on “Find an NFT Patient” to locate Craddock.