David Carpenter, 1983 graduate of Clarkston High School, left Michigan for Florida in 1995.
After 12 years, he is returning to Michigan. The homecoming isn’t as happy as it should be.
A serious medical condition is destroying his lungs ? the 42-year-old man needs a double lung transplant.
Michigan’s cold weather is a good thing for him, allowing him to breath easier.
‘The cold weather actually does wonders for me ? the colder, the better,? he said.
In December, 2000, he felt sick with flu-like symptoms. By the end of January, he was in the hospital.
‘I’d never been sick before, never been to the hospital,? he said.
‘Even taking a shower, I would get winded. They X-rayed my lungs ? they looked like a snowstorm.?
Doctors initially suspected HIV, but Carpenter knew that was impossible. His brother, Dr. Randall Carpenter, sent him to the Mayo Clinic in Florida.
In April, doctors performed an open-lung biopsy. He was diagnosed with nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis, a tissue disease attacking the immune system, causing it to attack the lungs.
Cause is yet to be determined conclusively.
‘I’ve never smoked, not a day in my life,? David Carpenter said.
He owned a pest control business in Florida, but those chemicals have not been linked to his disease.
Likely suspects include toxic Black Mold, three types of which was found in the home in Florida, shared by Carpenter and his wife, Vicki.
Treatments include Prednizone, a synthetic steroid, to suppress the immune system. His longterm use of the drug has led to high blood pressure, diabetes, low bone density, and deterioration of his muscles.
He needs oxygen tanks to breathe. At home, he uses a long tube connected to central tanks. To go out, he has a liquid oxygen tank good for 7-8 hours.
On airplanes, where liquid oxygen isn’t allowed, he uses a four-hour carry-on-type tank.
He has a house in Clarkston, but he and Vicki are moving to Ann Arbor to be closer to the University of Michigan. He needs a lung transplant, and if one becomes available, time would be of the essence.
‘The University of Michigan is the best place for that,? he said.
Carpenter’s family and friends are planning a fund raiser to help with expenses. They are still working out the details. Slated is a June 9 spaghetti dinner with live music and auction at the Clarkston Eagles Club.
They are seeking donations of items for the auction. The Eagles already agreed to donate use of their hall on Maybee Road.
‘We’re always will to lend a helping hand,? said Janice Karrick, officer with the Eagles Aerie 3373.
A fund raiser is planned to help with David Carpenter’s medical expenses:
Where
Clarkston Eagles Aerie 3373,
5640 Maybee Road
When
June 9
What
Spaghetti dinner, live music, silent auction, raffle, and 50/50
Who to call
Steve Carpenter, 248-673-3282