WAYS TO HELP:
Take Brett’s family a meal by signing up for a date here.
Support Brett’s GoFundMe page organized by his friends.
BRETT’S STORY:
Brett, a Hillsborough father of 3, had breathing problems for the past several years. This past winter he contracted Covid and thought he was doing well with his recovery. To make a long story short, Covid lingered deep below causing more lung problems and pneumonia for him. Brett is currently in the hospital away from his family. Most doctors don't have a positive outlook and say he will need a need a transplant. He needs his children and their strength to make it happen. They are not allowed in the hospital so he's determined to ween himself off the high flow oxygen machine and get to a basic manageable level to where he can go home on portable oxygen. In the past few days, he's done ok on getting lower but not low enough and is fighting like hell to rid his body of this pneumonia.
MAY 20th, 2022 UPDATE:
We were hoping to share some good news on this update, unfortunately that is not the case. Brett developed thrush yesterday, and this morning air pockets have developed under his skin in his neck as well. Transport just arrived to take him to have a tube put in to try to drain the pockets of air.
Brett wanted to let everyone know that he is still fighting to beat this, and to give his and his family's deepest thanks to everyone who has sent well wishes, prayers, donations, and have continued to share this fundraiser on their platforms. He has begun the process as well for pre-screenings for a lung transplant. Because of these new turn in events, the goal is also going to be bumped up.
Updates will continue to be posted as new information comes in. The support shown has been overwhelmingly amazing, there are no words to do it justice. Thank you all, so very much. Please keep him in your thoughts for a positive turnaround.
JUNE 27th, 2022 UPDATE:
Brett was put on medical sedation and taken by helicopter in early June to be transferred to Temple Hospital in Philadelphia to begin evaluation for a lung transplant. Since then, he has been put on ECMO due to the gas exchange in his body reaching dangerous levels, and has since developed a blood infection. The infection caused his liver and kidneys to begin to fail, necessitating dialysis treatment in order to keep him alive while he waits for his transplant evaluation to continue. The infection is beginning to show signs of clearing out, however he is still on the life saving machines and kept sedated.
JULY 23rd, 2020 UPDATE:
Last night we received the sad news that Brett Frana passed away at the age of 39. Please keep his partner Mandy, their 3 beautiful children and all his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
Brett contracted Covid this past winter and had a preexisting lung condition. Covid lingered deep below causing more lung problems and pneumonia for him. He left his Hillsborough home by ambulance on Mother's Day and was later flown to Philadelphia where he was awaiting a lung transplant.
Brett was in contact with Steps Together long before his condition was critical as he wanted to make sure he could provide for his family. As things worsened, he used his social media to share a GoFundMe set up by his friends once again worrying about providing for his family. During that time, he also used his FB memories to share with the world how much Mandy and the kids meant to him.
"I didn't really know Brett well, but he lived three houses down, so we spoke often as neighbors. He was one of those people that you didn't need to talk to often to know he had a big heart. Brett was always looking out in the community to make sure people who might need the help of Steps Together knew we were here. I don't think he ever thought he'd be a beneficiary. He was an incredible dad which you could see as he mowed trails behind our homes, had a backyard full of bubbles and slides or glowing parties. I'll always remember his huge tree and trains at Christmas. He was a neighbor who always welcomed you at his home and would be there for anything you need. Even my goats will miss him as he often walked through poison ivy with no concern just to give them snacks. That's just who he was." - Courtney Newman
Steps Together will be here to help Mandy as she needs in the coming days and weeks both in our support and our prayers. We've extended their meal chain through August 15th.