Local man waiting for double lung transplant after battling COVID-19 - KPTV.com

Jun 13, 2021

PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) – The past couple of months have been gut wrenching for the West family as Bill West is waiting for a double lung transplant after battling COVID-19.

“His lungs are scarred, there’s too much inflammation and they cannot recover,” said Helen West, Bill’s husband.

“I mean he needs a lung transplant.

Helen West said her husband wanted to get vaccinated but by the time he contracted the virus it was too late.

When Bill West does get the transplant, the family will have to move either to Seattle or the Bay Area for the procedure and treatment.

The family does have a GoFundMe set up to help pay for the medical costs and moving expenses.

Despite it all, Helen West said her husband is still in good spirits.

Truly a heart wrenching story, and I truly feel compassion for the family?

I immediately wondered if he had a history of lung disease, or, smoked.

Bill has no history of lung disease nor smoked.

West is in his 60s and has no underlying conditions or smoking.