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Rick has been admitted to the Cleveland Clinic and is suffering from a severe and life threatening case of West Nile Encephalitis, and graft-versus host disease. A two-time kidney transplant recipient, Rick has participated in many transplant games over the years. This year, while Rick was attending the U.S. Transplant Games in Cleveland, Ohio representing Team Utah-Idaho, Rick was suddenly struck with weakness and neurological seizures. Rick now is facing graft-versus host disease and unfortunately a third kidney transplant surgery may be in store for Rick in the near future.
Rick was taken by ambulance to the Cleveland Clinic and has been there since June 12th; 1700 miles from his home. Rick has been undergoing extensive medical testing to determine his condition and the extent of the symptoms. Rick has temporary paralysis on his right side, and because he is a transplant recipient and immuno-suppressed, Rick is more susceptible to the devastating effects of West Nile Encephalitis.
Rick was born with a medical condition known as hydronephrosis and underwent his first kidney transplant in 1998, and as recent as 2014, he received his second kidney transplant surgery. Prior to contracting West Nile Disease, life was going very well for Rick these past two years, and he adjusted well to his post-transplant anti-rejection medications.
Rick’s wife, Emily recently joined Rick in the hospital and as a result, their three children have been without their mom and dad since early June. Rick and Emily’s parents and other relatives have been caring for their children as best they can. So far, Rick and Emily still don’t know when they will be able to return home. Emily is staying at a hotel and shuttling back and forth between the hotel and the hospital, worried about her husband and children. She has been the rock for him as he has gone through this trial. Medical bills, travel and lodging fees for Emily, medication costs, and living expenses are quickly adding up to more than Rick and Emily can handle alone. Rick also has the cost of his post-transplant anti-rejection medications from his transplant, and he desperately needs your financial support during this difficult time.
To help with the financial burden of Rick’s uninsured expenses, he may apply to receive assistance from the Help Hope Live Southwest Kidney Transplant Regional Restricted Fund. Help Hope Live 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 to the full extent allowed by law, the property of Help Hope Live and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. To make a donation to this fundraising campaign, please click on the yellow DONATE NOW button. For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you ahead of time for your thoughts, prayers and generous financial support. Any donation amount is one step closer to a quicker recovery and brighter future for Rick and his family.
Gratefully,
Rick’s loving family
Rick returned home from University Hospital yesterday. We are grateful for so many prayers offered on his behalf. He will continue to have painful post herpatic neuralgia for weeks and perhaps months. His seizures are under control. He is so happy to be with his family again. We are hopeful that this painful experience in his life will soon be over. Thanks to all the doctors, nurses, EMT's, and technicians who have served him during his treatment. And thanks to all who have contributed to his expenses and care.
Rick continues his stay in the University of Utah Hospital. Doctors are still trying to figure out what is the cause of on-going seizures and to control the pain from his rash. Today marks one month since he first went into the hospital in Cleveland. He is hopeful to be home soon.
Rick continues his hospital stay in the University of Utah Hospital. Doctors are trying to increase is INR rate (level of blood thinners) to a therapeutic level. The pain in his right leg and back continues, but is being managed through regular pain medication. His spirits are up, but he is looking forward to being with his family again early next week.
Yesterday, Rick was admitted into the University of Utah hospital by his transplant physician. They are evaluating the information provided by Cleveland Clinic with their own knowledge of Rick's medical history to determine what plan they will pursue to reduce Rick's pain and the probability of his having additional seizures. We do not know at this time how much longer her will be in the hospital. Yesterday the dermatologist took a third biopsy to determine if the intense pain in his right leg and lower back is caused by clotting at the skin level.
Rick and his wife, Emily, and his Mom and Dad arrived back in Utah Saturday evening, after three days travel. Rick has appointments with doctors scheduled for Tuesday to determine what additional treatment he may need to address his host vs. graft disease and the West Nile encephalitis. We hope to know more then.
We are pleased to announce that after 18 days in the hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, Rick is being released. He will be traveling with his wife and parents by car to Utah, to minimize possible seizure problems and pain from his rash.
Rick is still in Cleveland Clinic. He is slowly improving. Pain management doctors have assisted him to better control the pain from his rash, and his INR rate, the rate of blood thinning medicine he needs to avoid strokes, has improved. He is walking around the hospital and is now no longer on IV medications. We are hopeful that he will be released from the Clinic tomorrow (Thursday, June 30).
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That\'s my dad
Lynneah Lilly
Rick,
Glad to hear you're going home. My Uncle was there July 11th for kidney transplant. Unfortunately, it wasn't good for him and he's back on the waiting list. Thinking of you and your family and we'll keep you in our prayers! You're the best coach! Take care and give my best to your Ohana.
Much love & alohas...Rjani
Rick, know that our thoughts and prayers have been with you all throughout the games and now. We really missed you at the games. You are the heart of of our Utah-Idaho team! We love you and wish you a full recovery! God bless!
Gerald and Shauna Wayman
Good to see you are going home my thoughts and prays are with you on your road to recovery
Michael Wells with Team Rocky Mounyain
Rick, May God Bless you. I'm Ashton Arndt's grandma, I am forever grateful for you and your blessing! I will pray for you every night. I am so sorry for this happening to you. I have heard wonderful things about you!!!
Kara Heugly
I'm so sorry that this has happened to you. I told my mom about it as well and she wanted you to know that we were all thinking about you and hoping that you get better soon. I really hope that you are able to be released tomorrow and I pray for a safe trip home for you and Emily!
Kelly Lindbloom
Keeping you in our prayers Rick! Stay strong & know your transplant family is praying for your full recovery! Hope you get to go home soon!!
Love all your friends from Team Texas
Donna & Amy Team Texas Managers
Rick & Emily- Thinking of you guys! Please get back home safely ~
Michelle McCardell
Love you guys! Prayers for you Rick and Emily. Hoping you can come home soon.
Dean and Kathee Zenger
Ugh! I say that you've been through enough. We are praying for you (in English and Spanish).
JoLayna & Elder Arndt
Mr. Lily,
My son Chris, speaks of you often. It sounds like you have had a big influence on a lot of students at Clearfield High! You have been through so much, do not let this one be any different! You can get through this too! You have too man other lives to influence! Our family will keep you and your family in our prayers!
Vicki Bell
Rick, my dear... you and your sweet family are in my thoughts and prayers!!! I am so sorry that you are going through yet another battle with adversity! You have certainly had more than your share of trials! Yet you continue to be strong and fight!! You, sir, are my hero!! You are such an incredible and inspirational person to me and so many others! Please take care of yourself!! I am always here to support you in any way that I can! Let me know how I can help! Love you, friend!!
Brenda Banks
Praying for you and your family!
Lisa and Richard (heart recipient) Walker
Team Georgia
Lisa and Richard Walker
Sending love and prayers to you and your family. My dear friend. GOD HAS THIS! DON'T STOP BELIEVIN!
Carol "Fishie" Fitzsimons
Rick...I am just hearing this news and I am so so very sorry to hear that you are fighting this battle. My heart and thoughts are with you and your family. Get better Rick!! I am here for you or your family if there is anything I can possibly do.
Kandis Schwartz
Prayers for Gods Grace & Healing for our Friend, Brother & Teammate. Love you,
David, Tammy & Easton Miller
Rick I am so sorry you have to go through this again. Please reach out to me on Facebook. I would love to help out. www.Facebook.com/BaileysFundraising
Danielle Bailey
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Rick L Lilly
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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