Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is a condition where the structures of the airways become floppy. Patients experiencing this condition often experience difficulty breathing and complain of shortness of breath.

Most patients with TBM often look fine, but every breath can be difficult for them.  Oftentimes, patients will complain of "hitting a wall," "breathing through a straw," or even that "they say "I can get air in, but are unable to get their air out."

One of the most recognizable symptoms of TBM is a distinctive “seal-like” barking cough, which often alerts experienced pulmonologists to evaluate for airway collapse

TBM is often misdiagnosed as COPD or asthma-like symptoms, and often does not respond to routine treatment and therapies. Getting a provider that is specialized with TBM is essential to early diagnosis and treatment!

HOPE for Tracheobronchomalacia TBM Foundation is dedicated to

• EDUCATION
  • We help provide to easy to read and TBM patient focused guides to help them navigate the questions to ask during an appointment with their pulmonologist or specialist treating TBM. General anesthesia guide to ask about how to protect their airway with a TBM diagnosis.
  • Videos that may provide additional education and understanding of this disease.
• PATIENT SUPPORT 
  • Peer to peer support group through HOPE for Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) Foundation Patient Support group on Facebook. 
  • Provide a safe place where patients can be heard and discuss ways to navigate the diagnosis of TBM.
  • Provide a supporting communication to members who seek additional support and understanding of TBM. 
  • Help patients navigate finding a specialist that treat TBM.
  • Guidance to ask what test they should ask for when seeing a pulmonologist to diagnose TBM, such as Dynamic CT, Dynamic Bronchoscopy, etc. 
• RAISE AWARENESS:
  • HOPE for Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) Foundation has a support group on Facebook that is a public source to learn about TBM. 
  • We go to college campuses raising awareness for future health care providers such as nurses, respiratory therapist and, physical therapists, nurse practitionors and physician assistants. 
  • We speak awareness by living it! Each of our board members on HOPE is impacted by someone with the diagnosis of TBM. Our team truly understands the impact of this diagnosis and how important it is to make TBM a condition that is not unrecognized in our health communities. 
• FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR PATIENT ASSISTANCE (AS growth allows);
  • Provide Medical transport to centers that treat TBM
  • Assist with TBM related Medical Devices
  • Host Fundraising events to assist with patient supportive care while in the hospital for TBM procedures.
  • offer Educational Materials at no cost.
• RESEARCH:
  • Support or partner with educational institutions studying tracheobronchomalacia.
  • Advocate for innovations that help advance the treatment of Tracheobronchomalacia.
  • Advocate clinical trials for the treatment of Tracheobronchomalacia.

• PRAY!
  • Our foundation would not be in existence without the mighty hands of GOD. His divine mission in HOPE for TBM was given by the breath that he provides daily to our team. Without the prayers of all those who support us, we would not be here to help those who have lost hope in breathing. 
• Volunteer
  
  • if you can help fundraise in your local community to help with our foundation, it would be a blessing. All of our board members are voulunteers we take no compensation from the foundation. Our desire is to help the patient first and foremost. 
  • Offer services such as donated items:
    
    • Merchandise to use for Raffle. (local sport team merchandise, spa gift certificates, gift cards, tickets to sporting events or concerts. 
    • Care package items for patients who have had surgical repair to treat TBM, such as grocery gift cards, gas cards, journals, pens, plush items, ect (whatever you feel to add that would make our patients more comfortable for recovery.)
    • Volunteer your skills, such as tumbler making, cricket skills, crochet, screen printing, 3-D printing, or anything to help us raise awareness of TBM.
  • Monetary Donations HOPE for Tracheobronchomalacia TBM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organisation. Our funding comes from the support of our members and our TBM community. If you are interested in donating, press the DONATE button.