Nova Scotia woman trying to raise money for double lung transplant

WATERVILLE, N.S. - Crystal Taylor is fighting for her life.
Doctors have told the 47-year-old Annapolis Valley resident that she may only have two years left to live if she doesn't receive a double lung transplant. So she is desperately trying to raise the $40,000 she believes she will need to make that possible.
"I received my call just before Christmas that Toronto General Hospital is awaiting my arrival, but the lack of funds is holding me back," Taylor said Saturday from her Waterville home.
While medicare will pay for the transplant operation, there are many additional expenses that Taylor will face.
"I had to go to Toronto for two weeks for pre-assessment," she said. "There were meal costs, transportation costs and lots of unexpected things. Now I have to find an apartment there, furnishings (and) come up with moving costs. It's overwhelming."
Add to that the cost of the long list of medications she will need after the transplant and her situation becomes even bleaker.
"I think our government should assist more. This is an operation I need to stay alive. This is all so frustrating. It has been a year since I found out I need a transplant and I have only raised a little over $12,000. I have so much more to collect and time is running out for me."
Healthy lungs can come from anywhere in North America. The 14-hour surgery could happen within eight hours of Taylor getting the call to come into the Toronto hospital. So it is imperative that she be residing close to the hospital.
Diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Taylor said she has found the financial burden, along with the uncertainty of waiting for lungs suitable for transplant, to be draining, physically and emotionally.
"Because of my health, I am no longer able to work to help pay for my stay. At a time when I should be focusing on getting well, I am worried about how I will cover the costs associated with my stay in Toronto while I am waiting for my lung transplant."
Friends, neighbours and some businesses have been helping out with fundraising auctions. The next auction is in the planning stages for early March.
Taylor is grateful for any donations.
"I just want to get the word out there," she said. "I can feel my health deteriorating daily.
"I miss working and being with people, but most of all, I miss not being able to play with or lift my 22-month-old grandson, Braedon."