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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.
As you can imagine, the costs of a transplant are very high. Jimmy can no longer work and Mom takes cares of him full time as he needs around the clock care. Even with insurance there are many expenses that must be paid out of pocket. Some of these expenses are co-pays, deductibles, lab-fees, travel to and from the transplant center, relocation at the time of transplant for at least a month and Jimmy will be on a life-time of anti-rejection medications. In addition, his health insurance must be maintained via COBRA, which cost $1200 monthly. This puts our family up against a challenge we cannot meet alone and need your help.
A fundraising campaign in his honor has been established with Help Hope Live, 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 to the full extent allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the South-Atlantic Liver Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. To make a donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.
On behalf of Jimmy, Mom and our families, thank you so much for your generosity, support, prayers and kind thoughts during this time. Keep an eye on Jimmy’s campaign page at www.helphopelive.org to see updates regularly.
Gratefully,
Virginia Juarez, Jimmy’s step daughter
Ginny365@yahoo.com
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!
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.
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
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
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
Jimmy, we are all rooting for you! We are so proud of your perseverance and motivation. Best wishes!
Julia
Hope you have a speedy recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peggy
Jimmy As I write this you are in surgery !! keeping you and your family ,your surgeons and donors family in my thoughts and prayers
Annette
Hang in there Jimmy!! You and Darlene have always been such an inspiration to me! Please let me know if there is any way I can help - do you need anything done at your house or around town? Oh, and Steve the Wonderdog told me to tell you that Cody and Roxy can bunk with him anytime, for as long as they want! ;) You and the entire family are in my thoughts and prayers very often!!
Ashley Shaw
Jimmy! My heart goes out to you. I hope you can get that transplant.
If you want a good memory, remember when I did fall audits and tried to check a patient's yellow socks and she kept telling me she didn't have any but I kept checking only to find she was a bilateral BKA patient! So she literally didn't have any! Hope that story of my embarrassment brightens your day in some way.
I will pray for your recovery!
Stephanie
Stay strong Jimmy and keep that spirit alive. Many people are thinking of you. You've got this!!!!
Raven Hammond
Jimmy and Darlene,
Keeping you and your families in my thoughts and prayers. May the force be with you. Stay strong!
Elsa
Jimmy keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.. Miss seeing you.
Shirley Sherrill
Jimmy, its been a long time but you were always great support when I was a SVBGH! Lots of prayers coming your way!! You got this!!
Kristin Scholefield, RN
Sending positive vibes, thoughts and prayers your way! Wishing you good news soon!
Barb Styslinger,RN- Beach
Hang in there my friend,hope you get the liver that you need.Praying that you do.
Dess cruz
Stay strong Jimmy! Sending prayers your way
Genie Yavoich
My prayers are with you my friend. Miss you!
Magga
Keeping you and your family in prayer.
Debra Copeland
God bless you, Jimmy! Keeping you in my prayers!
Teresa Saulnier
Sorry to hear, my prayers are with you and your family.
Grace Alvarez
I will always be grateful for what you have made me strive for.. stay strong, Jimmy!
Dana
I'm a friend of Katie Frooman's. Prayers and hope to your stepfather and family!
Andrea Drummond
Sending prayers to you and your family .
Christie cippolini
Sending prayers of comfort and healing to you Jimmy.
Erin Franck
Never give up ! Your family & friends need you , Jimmy .
Kristie Coons
My thoughts and prayers are with you! Stay strong! We all miss you!
Chris Talley
Hi Jimmy, My heart and prayers are with you.
Cheryl Young
Jim I will be praying for you my friend.
Glen Wagner
I pray for your family I can't help financially
But I will share
Kelley sprinkel
You're in my thoughts and prayers Jimmy.
Michelle Jacobs
My thoughts and prayers are with you Jimmy!!
Larisa Allen
Jimmy, keeping you in my prayers...love ya....
Barb Letterman
Hang in there shipmate!! Your a tough dude you will make it through this!! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ray Llanes
Kick some PSC ass Jimmy!!
Penny
Hang on Bro! We love you! Check is in the mail.
Rod & Dianne
My thoughts and prayers are with you guys at this time. I will continue to keep the family in my prayers.
Jessica Scott
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Jimmy Spelts
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Donor preference is important to us. Please specify in writing if you wish for your name or donation amount to be kept private.
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