My stepfather, Jimmy Spelts is a 45-year-old man who is very sick. Quite suddenly, he was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) and Cirrhosis. He is desperately waiting for a life-saving liver transplant.
Most patients have the PSC diagnosis for years- even decades before contracting Cirrhosis and needing a new liver. Jimmy received his diagnosis just this March. At the time of his diagnosis, his doctors at Duke University Hospital in North Carolina have told him if he doesn’t get a transplant right away, he only has a thirty percent chance of living past his first three months-the odds only go down from there.
Jimmy grew up in Colorado, served in the Navy and then settled in Hampton Roads, Virginia to be near his kids. He is the loving husband of my mother, Darlene, a father, step-father, grandfather, and good friend to many. We all love him very much and will do everything we can to help him thru the transplant. He has worked at Sentara Virginia Beach as a nurse, and later as a nurse manager for 15 years. At the time of his diagnosis, he was a nursing professor at two local colleges. Jimmy has spent most of his life taking care of others and now it is he who needs our help.
Updates (2)
May 16, 2016
Jimmy is out of the hospital and in a local extended living hotel! He and Darlene still have clinic visits every day and he is on a TON of medication each day he is getting a little bit better. They still have a least a month- living in Durham (possible much more) but he is glad to be out of the hospital. Thank you so much for all the kinds words, thoughts, prayers and donations!
May 5, 2016
Since our campaign started, just over a week ago, Jimmy has been placed on the transplant list and received a new liver! It has been a couple days and his body is adjusting slowly. Right now he is in the ICU still but hopefully soon he will be moved out. Jimmy has a long road ahead of him and wants to thank everyone for their support, kind words, thoughts and prayers.
Guestbook
May 23, 2016
You have been in our thoughts and prayers Jimmy! We are so glad to hear that you are doing well and on the road to recovery. We hope that each day gets easier for you and your family!
SVBGH Pharmacy Department
May 19, 2016
Jimmy and Darlene,
The wonder of health care,may each day find you stronger. Continued prayers for healing and strength in these early days of recovery.
Elsa
May 7, 2016
I'm so proud of you! Keep working hard to get stronger and get home! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Teresa
