Theresa, Dale and their two children are active members of Christian Hope Baptist Church. In early 1994, Theresa Hall was diagnosed with sarcoidosis. While this disease can affect any organ of the body, it affects Theresa’s lungs. There has been research concerning this disease for over 200 years that shows no known cause and until recently, Theresa found articles where the firefighters at ground zero were diagnosed with this disease. Needless to say, in 1997 after developing pneumonia, she was forced to go on oxygen. She carried her portable tank around with her recognizable flair everywhere she went and even this did not stop or deter her. She also has to sleep with it.

In September 2002, she and her husband Dale drove to St. Louis, Mo. to Barnes Jewish Hospital where she was evaluated for the first time for a lung transplant. At the time she was doing well enough not to need the operation and by her standards was able to get off the oxygen tank during most of the day but she still used it during the night. Oh, how we rejoiced at this wonderful blessing.

However, during this past summer in 2007, Theresa had a setback. She was stricken with viral infections one after another, affecting her breathing and is now back on oxygen 24 hours daily. The news has been devastating for her, her family and friends, but through her faith in God she is preparing to undergo a double lung transplant.

After arranging another trip to St. Louis for a second evaluation, it has been determined that Theresa would be the perfect candidate for a double lung transplant because her lungs have suffered a significant amount of scarring that would make normal breathing even more challenging for the rest of her life. Also, because of the significant damage to the lungs, she also has developed pulmonary high pretension which also makes breathing even more difficult.

The cost for this life-saving procedure is exorbitant. The hospitalization, medication and all other services required for this procedure is astronomical and unaffordable by the Halls, even with health care coverage. Therefore, we are appealing to the community to assist us in raising the money to defray the cost of this urgent surgical procedure. A trust fund has been established at AmSouth Bank by the Christian Hope Baptist Church located at 301 La Salle Street, Natchez. 39120. Make checks payable to Christian Hope Baptist Church for Theresa Hall. You may donate by check, cash or money order.

We are asking the community, civic groups, area churches, fraternities/sororities, area businesses, scouting organizations and all charitable agencies as well as individual persons to please generously donate to help defray the cost of this surgery, which will be in excess of $543,000.00. We are most graciously appreciative of any and all funds allocated for this most urgent cause, regardless of how small.

In early November, Theresa will be relocating to St. Louis prior to the surgery because she has a rare blood type that makes donors not so available to her which will make her stay an extended one for an undetermined amount of time. We also ask that you pray about this situation as well.

Most importantly, we ask you, your church family or group to lift our dear friend up in prayer. Please do all that you can. Your help is needed. Also, allow us to thank you in advance for all of your support. Mrs. Hall, her husband and children will never forget your generosity during her time of need.

For more information, contact Dianne Smith at 601-442-3684, Bobbie Hinson at 601-807-4584 or the Rev. John Scott Jr., Christian Hope Baptist Church at 601-445-5995.

Bobbie Hinson is a Natchez resident.