Tim Fairclough

Tim, a husband, father, grandfather, and avid fisherman began experiencing increased shortness of breath in 2013 and was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) that same year. At the time of diagnosis a lung transplant was suggested as a future option but it was difficult to imagine needing a transplant when Tim didn’t even require supplemental oxygen yet.

Tim's donor is our hero.

As the disease began to progress Tim required more breaks during strenuous activities and eventually required oxygen use with exertion. In the fall of 2014, with the full support of his family, Tim began the testing process for a lung transplant. He was officially listed on December 11, 2014. He lived with minimal oxygen support for approximately a year before requiring oxygen use full time. From late 2015 through spring of 2016 Tim’s condition continued to deteriorate, to the point that he needed full time supplemental oxygen and had difficulties with nearly all daily activities. Tim was admitted to the hospital in May of 2016, where he would remain until either a transplant or he succumbed to the disease.

On July 4, 2016 our family was notified that a matching donor was available. Tim received the gift of life on July 5th. Due to the exemplary care provided by his medical team and the amazing gift from the donor, Tim has made an extraordinary recovery. He is back to enjoying the activities that he used to- fishing, appreciating time outdoors, spending time with his family and friends, and living life to the fullest.

Tim and his family strive to honor his donor and her family each and every day. Tim, his wife, his daughter, and his grand-daughter have become LifeSource ambassadors in order to share our story and the message of organ donation.

There is currently no known cure for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. To learn more about this disease please visit the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at http://pulmonaryfibrosis.org/.