For Saskatchewan families, a lung transplant can mean hope, healing, and a second chance at life. But along with the physical and emotional challenges of this journey come significant financial pressures. Because transplant surgery and specialized care are provided outside the province, patients must leave home for treatment and recovery, for at least three months. All are required to travel with a full-time caregiver, usually a spouse or close family member, who provides essential support every step of the way.
At a time when patients are often too unwell to work and living on a reduced income, the costs can quickly become overwhelming. Travel, accommodations, meals, medical appointments, specialized testing, and other necessary expenses place an enormous strain on families already facing one of the hardest times in their lives. These financial burdens sometimes, can be the reason why someone chooses not to have the life-saving surgery.
As a dedicated branch of the Caring Breaths Financial Assistance Program, the Lung Transplant Financial Assistance Fund exists to ease that burden allowing families to focus on healing, hope and breathing in the road ahead. By providing financial support, the program helps recipients and caregivers focus on what truly matters: recovery, well-being, and the chance to live life to the fullest after a transplant.
- Provides funding for medical-related expenses, travel, and accommodations, and medical equipment, that insurance or other programs do not cover.
- Gives priority to those with the greatest medical and financial need, ensuring donations have the most impact.
- Supports Saskatchewan residents, strengthening local communities and healthcare outcomes.
- Enables caregivers to continue supporting loved ones without added financial stress.
Applications are now being accepted.
You Can Help Make a Difference
Thank you to the many individuals and contributors who help make the Caring Breaths Financial Assistance Program possible. Your donations directly support lung transplant recipients and their caregivers, helping them access the care and support they need.
- Donate to the Lung Transplant Financial Assistance Fund
- Consider sharing your story how Caring Breaths Financial Assistance Programs has helped you by writing to caringbreaths@lungsask.ca