Support the Brewster Family Through a Lifesaving Double Lung Transplant Procedure.
James Brewster, 45, has been suffering from Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) since March of 2022. James is married to the love of his life, Kim, with whom he has three children and three grandchildren, whom their lives revolve around. Kim and James may be best known in their local community for their restaurant, which the pair opened in 2020. During their time in business, many knew James and Kim to have demonstrated great care to those in the community. Aside from their tireless work ethic, they also prioritized donating space, time, and resources to help others in need. Those lucky enough to know James have and continue to describe him as “lovingly stubborn,” honest, loyal, selfless, with a great sense of humor, and without a doubt, would give anyone the shirt off their back without hesitation. Despite James’ ongoing health conditions, he continues to do his very best to provide for his family. Two years ago, he started a second business with his father-in-law, Ray, that primarily focused on affordable painting and drywall. Currently, James is unable to work physically but continues to try to be present and stay positive, helping however he can with his medical bills. Due to James’ deteriorating condition, his wife is his primary source of assistance and care. This has resulted in Kim’s inability to have a consistent job. This has consequently resulted in the closing of their successful restaurant, Fresh Catch, which financially provided for them.
In March of 2024, James ended up at the hospital due to shortness of breath and a fever. Doctors diagnosed him with double pneumonia; however, upon arriving at home, James’ oxygen levels decreased dramatically, leading to another visit to the hospital. During a biopsy of his lungs, his oxygen decreased even further, leading the doctors to stop the surgery and put him on a ventilator, where he received his diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease. ILD is a rare lung disease that causes inflammation or scarring in the lung tissue, making breathing severely challenging. James’ condition continues to rapidly decrease. His condition requires the use of a 24-hour oxygen respirator, which causes immense mobility loss. James uses a 50ft oxygen tube as well as a portable oxygen tank at all times. Currently, James is averaging 60 oxygen tanks every two weeks. On June 12th, 2025, James and Kim were notified that James needs to receive a double lung transplant as soon as possible due to his recent diagnosis of increased opacity in the medial aspect of his upper right lobe. Despite coming close to meeting surgery requirements, the steroids he has been required to take have proven to make the journey more challenging. He is estimated to be on the double transplant list by the beginning of July 2025 at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh, PA.
Where Your Donations Will Go:
Your generous donation will help James’ family directly cover:
- Medical Costs: Co-pays, appointments, assisting with the continued use of oxygen and medication, James’ pre and post hospitalization, assistance with the cost of dialysis, and other possible medical expenses that are not covered by insurance.
- Temporary Living Expenses (Pre and Post): Assistance for Kim’s relocation to Pittsburgh as his 24-hour caretaker, as she will be required to pay expenses both at her current home, as well as her temporary housing for at least a year.
- Basic Needs: Ensuring there is food on the table, a reliable vehicle for travel to and from the hospital, bills, and unexpected expenses.
How You Can Help:
We’re hoping you can help us by sharing James’ story far and wide—with your friends on Facebook, your church community, and your neighbors. Even a small gift of $1 or $5 can make a huge impact—we know these donations can really add up! If you’re unable to contribute financially, please consider sharing this story from your heart. Spreading the word is so important, as you never know who might see it and be inspired to help.
Kim and James, as well as their friends and loved ones, appreciate your consideration for any and all donations, as well as any prayers during this unfathomably difficult time for them. #HopeForJames
