MURFREESBORO – For the past 15 years, Mary Annette Bishop of Murfreesboro has relied on the power of her religious faith to carry her through a medical disorder.

While Bishop still believes that prayers are answered, she is now seeking the financial support of family, friends and even total strangers in her quest to return to good health.

In 1998, Bishop was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells in different parts of the body — most commonly the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes and skin. In Bishop’s case, the inflammation is in her lungs.

Doctors believe sarcoidosis results from the body’s immune system responding to an unknown substance, most likely something inhaled from the air, according to information at www.mayoclinic.com. There is no known cure, but most people do very well with modest treatment. Sarcoidosis often goes away on its own. Alternatively, signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis may last for years and sometimes lead to organ damage.

Unfortunately for Bishop, sarcoidosis has damaged her lungs and she is in need of a transplant.

“I traveled to Duke Medical Clinic/Hospital in Durham the first week of April for a lung transplant assessment and have recently been notified as a candidate for a lung transplant by the lung transplant team at Duke,” Bishop said. “I have been informed that I must relocate to Durham very soon for the duration process of preparing for the transplant.”

Bishop said one of the requirements of the lung transplant program is to conduct fundraisers to help assist with the expensive medical and medications costs, not covered by her insurance during the recovery process. Her fundraiser goal is $10,000.

“My caregivers and support team have set up several fundraisers that will help reach this goal.  So I am asking for your support,” Bishop said.

Fundraising events scheduled for Bishop include a Krispy Kreme Doughnut sale (the goal is to sell 600 boxes for $6 per box). Orders can be placed up until May 17 and the doughnuts will be delivered May 22-23. Her support team has also prepared home-cooked pork barbecue that is selling for $6 per pint. Individual donations are also welcomed and can be dropped off at any local branch of the State Employees Credit Union (the account name is the Mary Bishop Special Account).

“Any contribution that you do will be greatly appreciated,” Bishop said. “Thank you in advance for your support, but most of all for your prayers. Your kindness will never be forgotten.”

Those wishing to order doughnuts or barbecue or to learn more information can contact Bishop at 252-396-5186 or Yolanda King at 252-396-3090.

Bishop is a veteran 19-year employee of CADA Head Start/Early Head Start and a member of Mt. Sinai Church of God in Murfreesboro.