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Unfortunately, if being diagnosed with Gastroparesis wasn’t enough. I was also diagnosed with Chronic Intestinal Pseudo Obstruction. Chronic Intestinal Pseudo Obstruction is again a condition of the bowels that decreases the body’s ability to move food through the bowel. Due to this I experienced severe nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, and pain.
After being treated for years with medications and TPN, we exhausted all options to maintain a good quality of life. The next step was to get a Small Bowel Transplant. This transplant is referred to as a Modified Multi-Visceral transplant and included the following organs; Stomach, Duodenum, Small Bowel and Pancreas.
On November 6, 2008 I was given the gift of a second chance at life. Since the transplant, I have had many complications. I have gone into severe rejection three times now, including the most recent rejection in November 2012. Thankfully, all the rejections were able to be treated with very strong medications. I’ve also struggled with Chronic Pancreatitis (painful inflammation of the pancreas) of the donor pancreas, requiring extended stays in the hospital and multiple procedures. I’ve also developed a large Arterial Thrombosis (blood clot in artery feeding transplanted organs) that threatens the blood flow of the newly transplanted organs. In October 2012, I underwent a very complicated surgery to open up and re-route to connection between my stomach and intestines, to hopefully treat and alleviate the severe nausea and vomiting that I had been complicated with for the last year.
Unfortunately, due to my transplant and all of the complications I have gone into extreme financial hardship and I have acquired a great amount of debt. Although, I do have insurance, there are still many medical and non-medical expenses that are not covered by insurance. Since my Transplant Center is in Pittsburgh, any time I have a complication I have to return to Pittsburgh for treatment. I basically have to establish a second household in Pittsburgh. This only adds to the financial burden. Unfortunately due to these complications and the need for many trips back and forth between Arizona and Pittsburgh the estimated costs of the transplant and the aftercare has far exceeded anything we could have prepared for and this is where I am asking for help.
To help offset these costs I have established a Fundraising Campaign through HelpHOPELive (formerly known as NTAF). HelpHOPELive is a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for nearly 30 years. All contributions are administered by HelpHOPELive exclusively for uninsured transplant related expenses. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Any and all donations would be greatly appreciated. No donation is too small and every little bit helps.
To make a contribution:
Make checks payable to:
HelpHOPELive
Note in the memo section:
In Honor of Ashley Foster
Mail to:
HelpHOPELive
Two Radnor Corporate Center
100 Matsonford Road, Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087
To make a credit card donation:
Call 800.642.8399 or select the DONATE NOW button above.
I can be followed on Facebook, which I try to keep updated to the best of my ability. I can also be followed through my website www.itsallgoodashley.org, which I admit I am not so good at keeping updated but I will try to pick it back up.
Most of all I really appreciate every one’s ongoing love and support. Without all of the love and support I have received from everyone, the fight wouldn’t be as easy. It gives me a purpose to keep fighting. Thank You and Thank You in advance for any contributions. Much Love!
Waiting and waiting.,, Thats the plan for now.
I have Officially been Listed!!! It's taken 4 long months. Now we just sit around and wait for that call. That call to come into their hospital, so the staff can start the prepping process. Last time it was 22hrs. From the time of the call to being wheeled into the OR.
Last time I was feeling a little more invincible. This time, I don't feel that. I must admit; I am scared this time. I'm scared of what I know is going to happen and the pain that I have to endure. But in the end of that is what it takes to have a better quality of life, then it's worth it.
I've also had a strange feeling recently. A feeling of needing to be ready. The have all my ducks in a row. All my loose ends tied up. So I'm doing my best. And I hate to say unfortunately it is the holiday season and accidents do happen. It's hard to know that at the same time my family is celebrating that my donors family is grieving the loss of their loved on. But we care extremely thankful for this wonderful gift they have given me and to others.
As time goes on. We are still in desperate need of support. My transplant journey has placed my family in extreme financial hardship. We can't do this alone. We need help from the community.
We have set up an account with HelpHopeLive. Don't forget, the end of the year is coming and we all want those tax deductions.
So My mother and I have made the Temporary Re-Location to Cleveland. We were so worried about housing and what to do. We were so blessed to find The Transplant House of Cleveland. The Transplant house was just opening up, just as we were to have our first appointments at Cleveland Clinic. So we ended up being the very first guests at the Transplant House. The timing was perfect, the location is perfect and the accommodations are perfect. We have our own little apartment with a kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, its a perfect little oasis to come Home to after a long day of appointments. The Transplant House has really gone above and beyond to welcome us and to make us feel so at home. It's truly a "Home Away From Home".
The last few weeks have been appointments after appointments. We have had day after day where we are at the hospital all day long. I've seen practically every specialist there is. Many tests and procedures. I still have a few more tests to do, possibly a few more doctors to see then hopefully we can get my Re-Transplant presented to the committee, approved, and then listed for my Transplant.
So plans have change... Transplant Centers have changed.
I have now switched my Transplant care over to Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Kareem, whom was my original Transplant Surgeon in Pittsburgh but left about 2 years ago.
Dr. Kareem looked over my medical records as a second opinion and is recommending that I be Re-Transplanted. This means that my mother and I will have to move to Cleveland for the next 6 month to 1 year in order for me to be listed, Re-Transplanted and Recover. This is very costly and unfortunately we can not do this on our own. We need the help of the community. So if you can find it in your heart. No donation is to little. Thank you so much in advance for your donation. Every little bit is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I'm so glad to be home in Arizona. Altough I'm still not feeling my best, at least I'm at home for the mean time. I'm still struggling with daily nausea and vomiting. I'm still on the TPN (IV Nutrition). I've just been having a very difficult go around trying to stay well and out of the hospital the best I can.
So far we still plan on returning to Pittsburgh in June for my scheduled surgery on June 17th. It's another big surgery. Where I'll spend weeks in the hospital and then spend another few weeks as an out patient.
I hate being away from home that long. Out of my element. Sleeping in different places. Eating different foods. I would just rather be home.
But if this surgery helps me and enables me to eat and get off the TPN then its all worth it.
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Ashley, I so enjoyed talking with you at length last week at my desk. I went home and told your story to my 23year old son. My purpose was to show him that when he begins to think his life is crappy....well he has NO idea what that really can mean to some people! LOL You were going to go shopping when you left the Clinic that day. Did you ever get some pants that actually FIT you? I hope so! See you soon precious.
Debbie, Mayo Clinic
Ashley, you don''t remember me as I have only met you once. I think you were 13 at the time. You were visiting your grandma in Montana. I want you to know that I will be praying for you.
Ramona Plummer - Portland Oregon
My dearest Ashley and Miriam (Mom), I just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you and sending our thoughts and prayers to you and your doctors!!! You are such a positive influence in all the lives you touch. Keep up the positive thoughts and remember you are loved much!!!!
Kate and Jim, NYC
Hi Ashley,
Well you are on your way. I am working hard to find contributors for you so let''s keep our fingers crossed. We are praying for you everyday and you are constantly in our thoughts.
Love you, Kate and Jim
Hi Ashley,
We made a donation to your account after we heard your story from Kate Bash. I know you''re traveling to Pittsburgh via NYC right now to begin the transplant process. We want you to know that we are praying for you and looking forward to hearing of your full recovery!
Jeff and Cindy Ray, Sudbury, MA
Hey Ashley-I have gp too and must use tpn. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
anon
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Ashley Foster
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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