Meanwhile Ruth is trying to raise funds for her

Meanwhile Ruth is trying to raise funds for her brother’s transplant. She has established a fund called Charles’ Fund at the Bealeton Branch of the State Bank of Remington.

‘Ten years ago the criteria for receiving a transplant was different,” she said. Now the hospital will accept you on the list once you have a plan and can show them what you’re doing to raise funds.”

Ruth has set up the fund at the bank, is working on media exposure and has friends helping to organize fund raisers. She has also put out flyers about the fundraising campaign and is contacting large companies and businesses in hopes of getting corporate sponsors of funds.

“I intend to use any and all contacts I have to help my brother’” she said. “There are not enough state and federal funds to help transplant patients. It’s going to take community effort. Most people couldn’t afford to get a transplant and don’t have insurance to cover it.”

Organizations who help transplant patients raise funds by conducting fundraising campaigns also take five to 10 percent of the funds. While that is a small percentage of the whole, Ruth feels with help she should be able to raise the necessary funds.

“If everyone would give $1 and a prayer we’d have it licked,” she said. “We’re taking it one day at a time. First we have to get the transplant and then we’ll get the funds taken care of. His insurance will cover the anti-rejection medication and other medication through three years."

Ruth admits the waiting game is hard, and the inactivity difficult for Charles, who has always been active.

“In one month really his whole life turned upside down,” she said. “He has done very well.”

Ruth may be reached at (540) 4393742 for information or send donations to: Charlies’ Medical Fund, State Bank of Remington, Bealeton Branch, RO. Box 29, Bealeton, 22712.