Miami Wine-Lungs For Life Fundraiser

My name is Charlotte Sassano. I am a 45 year old single mother, living in Ft. Lauderdale with my wonderful 14 year old son, Michael.

When I was healthy, Michael and I used to love to run, play baseball, swim, snorkel, and go boating together. Personally, I practiced martial arts 6 days a week, enjoyed dancing and generally lived life to the fullest.

That all changed in February 1998,when I was diagnosed with stage 3 Sarcoidosis (a pulmonary disease which has made holes in my lungs, severely restricting my breathing). Despite all attempts to fight my disease, within the last four years it not only worsened, but has lead to 3 other diseases including pulmonary fibrosis.

I quickly got to where I needed my oxygen tank most of the day and night. If I attempt to perform even the slightest task such as dressing, walking, doing laundry or even just talking, I must have oxygen. All those things I used to enjoy with my son, I can no longer do, simply because ... I can not breathe!

My disease has now progressed to what is called "end stage lung disease". In July of 2007, I was placed on the list for a double lung transplant at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. This disease has not only changed my life drastically, it now actually threatens to take my life from me.

I'm extremely optimistic that once I do have the transplant, I will be able to resume a normal life and finally be able to breath without an oxygen tank! I look forward to once again enjoying the simple pleasures of talking and walking with my son without an oxygen tank. But unfortunately, for that to happen, I'll need your help.

You see, along with the physical challenges, are the financial challenges. Once I have the double lung transplant, I will be out of work for about a year. In addition to the normal costs of living, I will have especially high medical care and prescription costs. The immunosuppressant drugs alone are from $4000 to $6000 per month. I will be on those drugs for the rest of my life. Therefore, I feel I have no other choice than to reach out to you, and ask for your support for both myself and my son.

The following are ways in which you can help contribute to our cause:

Attend Our Fundraiser
Date: Tues, Oct 14 from 7- 10pm
Location: Christine's of Ft. Lauderdale
2671 E Oakland Park Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308
Cost per ticket: $25 per person.
(This includes 1 glass of wine, hors d'ourves and a live auction)

Send A Contribution To:
Greg Ross Trust Account
Charlotte Sassano
3100 NW 51 Terrace
Margate, FL 33063
Thank You!
Contact Number: 954-608-4921