Go Fund Me set up for long-time local businessman Dan Tepper

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just two months ago, Dan Tepper was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a serious lung disease for which there is no cure.

Dan is the owner of Tep's Villa Roma, a South Lake Tahoe restaurant that was opened by his family in 1975.

The 59-year-old has had numerous emergency room visits and hospital stays since being diagnosed, leading to now being on oxygen 24/7, according to family members. He has never smoked. Some people get IPF when they're exposed to something like pollution, certain medicines, or an infection. But doctors don't know what causes IPF. 75 percent of those with the disease are men and almost all are above the age of 50.

They have spent the last two weeks with the UC San Francisco medical team who have expedited getting him on the list for a double lung transplant. This is the only hope left in extending his life.

Dan cannot return to South Lake Tahoe at this time due to the elevation, and possibly after a transplant as well.

Dan's daughter, Jillian Neira, has started a Go Fund Me fundraising account to help with housing, exorbitant medical bills, and caregiving for an extended period of time.

So far, $35,000 has been raised. To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-dan-get-a-lung-transplant?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_....