The time in my life has come to share, in more detail a very private matter. As some of you may know, seven years ago I was diagnosed with two liver diseases, auto-immune hepatitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). The only known cure for the PSC is a liver transplant.

For everyone I’ve told thus far, I’ve received two consistent responses. First, “That’s great!” and second, “Wait, how does that work?” For a living donor transplant someone will “come forward” as a donor. The surgeons will remove my whole diseased liver, replacing it with half of the donor’s healthy liver. Both my half and the donor’s half will regenerate to full size in 2-3 weeks’ time. From there, I’m on the path of a 6-12 month recovery. I’m told from other transplant recipients that I’ll feel as though someone has dropped a new engine in me. As of now, my older sister has come forward as the donor. We still have a lot of testing to complete to be certain she’s the right fit for this. The testing will begin in January.

As you can imagine, the magnitude of expenses involved with a procedure like this are staggering and can quickly turn devastating when considering the procedure, lifelong medications, time away from work, and for the frequent travel between states as my sister lives in California. For these reasons, I’m faced with the uncomfortable task of asking for the aid and assistance of anyone inspired to help. I’ve made every effort to privately manage this part of my life, but the time has come to be vulnerable and humble.

To help with the financial burden of my uninsured expenses, I may apply to receive assistance from the HelpHOPELive Southwest Liver Transplant Regional Restricted Fund. HelpHOPELive is a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, the property of HelpHopeLive and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant related expenses only.

If there is any amount, large or small, that you could donate I will forever be grateful and touched.

Much love,
Kylie

Thank you for your support!