TJ Needs Your Help
Family and friends of TJ Miller are raising money to pay for uninsured medical expenses associated with his liver transplant.
TJ has battled an auto-immune liver disease (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis aka PSC) for the past 25 years. PSC is a progressive illness that attacks the bile ducts causing scarring, blockages, and in many cases bile duct cancer. PSC is strongly associated with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, which TJ also suffers from. There is no cure for PSC, but a liver transplant is currently the best treatment to eliminate the awful symptoms and avoid bile duct cancer. Due to TJ’s liver failure he experiences daily fatigue, severe pain due to bile duct blockages and spasms, cholestatic pruritis (an awful deep itching due to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood), and nausea. There is no area of life that isn’t effected by TJ’s chronic illnesses, in fact it is quite amazing how many functions the liver does and how problems can distress the whole body.
An angel of a friend, Rachel, donated a portion of her liver to TJ in 2018. That selfless gift got TJ through the last 5 years with more stability than he has had in a long time. Unfortunately, his liver is now failing again. His disease has returned, along with chronic infections causing multiple bouts of sepsis. TJ is now #1 on the transplant list and we are scared and hopeful. It is his best shot. So we are approaching this head on and with grateful hearts.
We are asking family and friends to help with critical expenses TJ will face immediately after surgery.
TJ is an amazing and devoted father of 4 and a wonderful husband to Ainsley. Grace (19), Lucas (16), Addison (13), annd Maddox (1) are his pride, joy, and whole world. Despite his chronic health conditions, TJ has persevered to live a productive and full life. Coaching T-ball, baseball, and football for the past 8 years, he has become a staple to the little league and youth football communities. He always puts his children first, persevering to attend every sports game, dance performance, or school activity as much as possible. But now it’s time for TJ’s healing journey to begin, and he needs our help.
Donations to Help Hope Live can help ease the financial burden of a transplant and allow TJ to focus on a healthy recovery and a long life ahead with his family and friends. Please feel free to share TJ’s story on your own social media or with any church or work groups.
TJ has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility to the full extent allowed by law for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
Updates (9)
January 31, 2023
Big life update to share.
TJ’s chronic autoimmune liver disease has been progressing. He was in the hospital all last week with sepsis. His third time with sepsis in the last year. Because of this, he has been moved up the transplant list. He is now #1 on the list! We are overwhelmed, scared, hopeful, and excited to get back to living life. I am mostly looking forward to TJ have any quality of life. He told me recently that he doesn’t remember what it feels like to wake up and feel good. Breaks my heart. But this is his best shot! And we are going to approach it head on and with grateful hearts. We are heading down to Salt Lake to wait for the call, and will be down there for quite a while after while TJ heals. Thankfully, my mom is coming with us to help and be an extra support.
Lastly, we have had so many people donate to TJ’s medical fund in the past. With having to travel out of state for TJ’s care, it has been a huge help. It’s hard to ask for help, but it is how we have pulled through this. Even sharing the link helps.
Thank you!!!
❤️❤️❤️
April 9, 2022
It is with a heavy heart I want to share that TJ needs another liver transplant. It has only been not quite 4 years since his last transplant. It was a wonderful gift that got TJ through the last 4 years. Unfortunately TJ’s liver disease has returned and he has been quite sick. He has been hospitalized with sepsis twice, once in December and he is hospitalized again right now. The doctors said that with 2 infections and hospitalizations within 6 months, TJ qualifies for exception points towards his MELD score. This means he will be near the top of the transplant list and could receive a new liver within the next few months.
Added into the mix is our new sweet baby boy, Maddox, born January 15th. He is such a joy and has brought so much happiness into our lives during this difficult time. But of course a baby adds a layer of difficulty in the logistics of traveling and recovery from a major surgery.
The funds that were raised for TJ has gotten us through the last 4 years of travel to TJ’s specialists in Salt Lake City and medical expenses. We were astounded with the amount of support we received. It was humbling and amazing to feel so much love. And now we are asking for support again. It is very hard to ask for help. At times like this we are forced to, we can’t get through this without it. We aren’t quite sure what the future will bring, or how we are going to get through this again. But we know we will somehow, especially with our loved ones by our side.
December 29, 2019
This is so long overdue, but it’s time to finally finish up our quilt raffle giveaway in support of Tj’s medical fundraiser. I’m embarrassed at how long it has taken me to complete this quilt giveaway! Most of it is because TJ and I have had a hell of a year, the other part is that this quilt is so beautiful I have enjoyed having it in my home. Unfortunately, we found out a few months ago that TJ’s autoimmune liver disease (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis) is back and attacking his new liver. We are devastated by this re-diagnosis, and have been trying to figure out how to keep living a good life despite this awful news. We have been taking things one day at a time, soaking up the good days, time with the kids and each other. We could not have made it through any of this without the help of our amazing community and of course our forever liver sharing sister Rachel Erkmann (and family). You all rallied around us and we were able to raise over $27,000 to cover TJ’s medical, living, and travel expenses since his transplant in July 2018. Since TJ came home after 6 weeks of living in Salt Lake City recovering from surgery, we have made 25+ trips to SLC for appointments and procedures. We have used over $20,000 of the funds raised to make this travel and ongoing medical care possible. Thankfully, we still have the remaining funds to help us through the inevitable trips to SLC for TJ’s future care. (As an fyi all donations are tax deductible and can only be used for medical expenses.) All of this is to say, THANK YOU! Those two words don’t seem like enough to express our gratitude, but it’s all I have. After reviewing and randomizing and praying over the list of everyone that donated to TJ’s fund, this beautiful handmade quilt will go to Nancy Fuhrman and Roger (I will private message you and arrange for delivery). The Fuhrman’s are a special family that have been in TJ’s life since he was a kid and also happened to know the Erkmann’s, it’s meant to be! This butterfly quilt is such a beautiful message of hope and endurance (created and pieced by my mom, Jane Holbrook, and quilted by my aunt, Pam Cope). My mom so perfectly titled this quilt “don’t quit before the miracle happens”. Thank you all for your patience in my huge delay of getting this giveway completed. Here’s to a fresh new year, one day at a time, hoping for many more good days. ❤️
July 17, 2019
Happy Liverversary to TJ and Rachel!
1 year ago today we woke up nervous and hopeful for what was in store, and we went to bed that night with a successful surgery behind us, Rachel with a little less liver, and TJ's new liver already producing bile and getting to work! It has not been an easy recovery process, but we knew that going in. We were told that it would be at least a year recovery. We have had many wonderful beautiful moments this past year. I am especially in awe of the generosity of others and the power of a loving community. My favorite lesson from all of TJ's struggles with chronic illnesses and even the roller coaster ride that this recovery has been, is that we have become pros at enjoying the little moments of joy that exist within every day. From getting a hug from one of our kids, to laughing at a silly joke, to just sitting on our patio watching the sunset. We all strive for happiness in our lives, and sometimes it takes an event like this to remind us that it isn't some huge amazing thing that makes us happy, it's the day to day. It's the things we don't even notice or miss until you are faced with mortality of yourself or a loved one.
Rachel is still doing very well. She has no lasting effects from the surgery, and recently had her 1 year follow up appointment in Salt Lake City and was released from the surgical team's care!
I think the unpredictability of TJ's recovery is what has been the hardest. The month of May TJ was feeling the best he has in a long time, we started going for bike rides, he was doing projects around the house and suggesting getting a gym membership. The main remaining issue from TJ's transplant is one stricture where 2 bile ducts were stitched together. The scar tissue in that spot created a narrowing that caused bile to not be able to flow freely which in turn elevates TJ's liver function and makes him feel nauseous, tired, and in pain. Since January TJ has had six ERCP procedures. An ERCP is a endoscopic procedure in which a scope is passed through the mouth and digestive tract into the bile ducts. TJ has had multiple stents of varying size and material placed into that stricture in an attempt to stretch it open while keeping the bile flowing through. The stents do a very good job of stretching the scar tissue open, but the inorganic material of the stent is prone to bacteria sticking to it. TJ has had a couple pretty major infections due to the stents. One did turn septic in the beginning of February, the second infection on Memorial Day weekend was caught just in time before it turned septic. Right now TJ is stent free for the first time this year! It is exciting, but this is definitely a trial period. There is a very good chance TJ will be getting another stent in the near future.
I am so grateful for TJ's team of doctors at the University of Utah, for Rachel and her family and community that has adopted us, for our kids that have endured all the ups and downs right along side of us, for TJ's mom who spent 6 weeks in Salt Lake City with TJ while I had to go back to work, and both of our families. We absolutely could not have done it without each and every one of you. We are so excited to see what the next year will bring!
Ainsley
October 23, 2018
It’s been just over 3 months since TJ’s transplant, and what a ride it has been! I’ve been updating Facebook on TJ’s (and Rachel’s) healing progress, and I’ve failed to post an update here since 3 days post op!
Rachel had her 3 month post op check up last week, and she is doing wonderfully. She said it doesn’t feel like she’s had surgery at all. Somehow she feels a little guilty for that because of TJ’s long healing process. But that is our biggest hope for her, no lasting effects from the surgery.
TJ is doing pretty well. A few hiccups here and there as his body adjusts to all the new liver and new medications. That is not unexpected by his transplant team, as they have told us many times that their job is to manage complications as they arise. We continue to practice our patience and trust in the process as it unfolds.
We are so grateful for all the amazing support we have received throughout this journey. All of this was made possible by the community surrounding us.
Lots of love,
Ainsley
July 21, 2018
Wow! What an incredible and overwhelming 3 days it has been! TJ and Rachel had their surgeries on Tuesday (July 17th), and they both went very well. Rachel’s surgery began around 8AM and she was recovering in the ICU by 3PM. TJ was taken back at 12PM, and his surgery began at 2PM. The surgeons said that Rachel couldn’t have had a more perfect liver for TJ. TJ didn’t need any blood products or transfusions, which is very rare. They were able to extubate him in the operating room and he was recovering in the ICU by 9PM. So many answered prayers just regarding the surgery alone. It went exactly as the doctors hoped it would.
Rachel was up and out of bed that same evening, but her main struggle initially was keeping her nausea under control. She was moved out of the ICU and into a regular hospital room the next afternoon.
Physical therapy had TJ up and out of bed the morning after surgery, and he walked to Rachel’s room for a short visit. It was the sweetest reunion I have ever seen. Keeping TJ’s pain under control was the biggest issue, and he was moved out of the ICU after 2 nights. He happened to get a room right next door to Rachel.
Now we are on day 3 and Rachel is doing wonderfully. She has showered and been out of bed a bunch, visiting TJ, walking down to the balcony, and today a trip to the Starbucks in the lobby. She will probably be discharged in the next couple days, and when she feels ready, will travel home to Boise with her parents.
TJ’s IV meds have now been switched almost entirely to oral medications, and he was out of bed and took short walks 4 times today. He had a very rough night last night, but he made it through that and has been much much better today. TJ has been sleeping a lot, especially after each trip out of bed, and even after brushing his teeth or washing his face. One of the therapists explained that his body is burning so many calories trying to heal, that any other activity is very draining.
Thank you all for the support, prayers, and love. It really has made all the difference. We are in awe of everything that has happened in such a short period of time and can see the future unfolding before us. We are so very grateful.
July 16, 2018
TJ and Rachel’s surgery is tomorrow and we can hardly believe this day is almost here! It feels so surreal, but we are all ready to get onto this next chapter of healing. We are getting settled into our home away from home, a 2 bedroom apartment close to the hospital. TJ doesn’t have to stop eating until midnight tonight, so we will all enjoy a delish dinner this evening. I will post updates tomorrow on my social media when I am able to. Thank you all so much for the love, support, and prayers. This community has been surrounding us more than we ever imagined.
Ainsley
July 3, 2018
Two weeks until surgery day! It felt like time was moving so slowly for the last couple months, and now it is speeding along. This amazing family and ours will forever be connected by the gift Rachel is sharing with TJ. So grateful for the generosity that is coming our way and so grateful that our paths crossed a year and a half ago. In fact, we will never quite be able to express how thankful we really are, someday we will pay it forward to others in need.
June 1, 2018
I can't express enough the deep gratitude TJ and I have for all of the support he has been receiving. As many of you know, TJ's Dad passed away recently, leaving a giant hole in our hearts. As the waves of grief crash in, there has been the wonderful blessing of family and friends comforting and lifting each other up. The reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of sharing love is so near at times like this.
With 45 days until TJ's liver transplant, you all have already helped us raise almost $3,000! That is incredible, and I am blown away by everyone's generosity and desire to help. I am hoping to keep this momentum going, in some form, as TJ faces a lifetime of anti-rejection medications and medical follow up expenses. My dream is for him to focus on healing and living the long life he so deserves without the worry of medical and travel costs. As I work on my ability to accept help and support (this has always been a challenge for me), I was reminded by a dear friend: how wonderful would it be for us all to be able to just focus on the joy of this amazing opportunity?!
Again, thank you all so much!
Ainsley
Photo Galleries (1)
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Guestbook
May 1, 2023
Sending prayers and healing energy...
Cinda Bennion
April 29, 2023
In honor of a longtime friendship with Jane and Abby and in support of the love and care shown by so many during this medical and spiritual journey. Best of luck!
David Williams
March 20, 2023
Wishing you all the best.
Erica Huntzinger
February 7, 2023
Love from the Ancich family
erin ancich
February 5, 2023
Mom's and my thoughts and prayers are with you each day as you move towards a fresh start and as your recovery begins. Our hope is that your wait will be short ! Know you and your family are surrounded by love !
Janice and Bev Galloway
Janice Galloway
February 1, 2023
Happy to help in some measure. I lost a cousin who was waiting for a liver about 20 years ago. Also, sending much love and light.
Sherry
Sherrin Brovas
February 1, 2023
Thinking all the best thoughts for your whole family.
Melissa Waylan
February 1, 2023
We love you TJ! <3
Amanda Mardian
July 10, 2022
❤️
Erin Ancich
April 12, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with you TJ and Ainsley. Tina and Trish
Trish and Tina Armstrong
April 11, 2022
Love and prayers to your family from mine. Speedy recovery TJ !!
Beverly (Janice's Mom) Galloway
April 11, 2022
I so hope you can get your transplant quickly, so you can be with Maddox while he grows up.
Abigail Jensen
April 11, 2022
Love you both.
Diane Donald
April 11, 2022
TJ & Ainsley-
We’re sending you positive thoughts and support as you navigate through your journey.
Hugs and love,
Bui Family
Huy & Katie Bui
April 10, 2022
Love you so much dear Tj and family. All the best prayers and hope for the best outcome.
Jane Holbrook
April 10, 2022
Ainsley &TJ,
My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family as you navigate this next huge hurdle. I'm so sorry you're being put through this again and I'm hoping all those whose lives you have touched with light and goodness will rally again to bring you what you need. I desperately wished I was a match because I'd be there beside you the whole way ! This is one of those times when your belief in God will be needed since we don't always know what His plan is.
Love you guys with my whole ❤️
Janice
Janice Galloway
April 10, 2022
We are sending positive thoughts and energy to all of you.
Jean Boggs
November 20, 2019
TJ & Ainsley - we continue to stand with you two as you endure medical expenses and deductibles. We are praying for you and your family to flourish! Eric & Heather Tuininga
Heather Tuininga
August 9, 2018
from Sonja and Pat Holbrook, toward TJ's health and the quilt raffle.
Jane Holbrook
July 31, 2018
YOU ARE ALL AWESOME!!!
Arlen Donald
July 30, 2018
This is from Pat and Sonja Holbrook. They also want to be entered in the quilt raffle.
Their contact info is 69 W Rhea Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284
Jane Holbrook
July 28, 2018
What a blessing to hear about your sweet story. Our prayers for you both. We met Rachel over 20 years ago on our daughter's move in day at college.
Linda and Rusty Craft
July 26, 2018
I’m a friend of Rachel’s and have been following your story. Much prayers to you and your family!
Andrea Rhodes
July 22, 2018
With much love and prayers for a complete recovery!
Roger and Nancy Fuhrman
July 21, 2018
We have been praying for you and your family for stamina, determination, peace and healing.
Courtney Reeves
July 19, 2018
Friend of Rachel <3
Laura Louis
July 18, 2018
Praying for all involved here in Nashville, TN Blessings to your family and the Erkmann family!
Marc Kochamba and Family, Medtronic
July 18, 2018
Prayers from Texas for your recovery. Blessings to both your family and the Erkmann family.
In Christ and with his Love,
Mark and Blanca Oncken
Tomball, TX
Mark and Blanca Oncken
July 18, 2018
We are praying for speedie recoveries for TJ and Rachel.
Dean Steinmetz
July 16, 2018
Thinking of you all and sending love to the Miller and the Erkmanns!
Diane Donald
July 13, 2018
Rachel "Glitter", I am so proud of you and honored to be able to pray for you as you walk through this journey. Love you so much! ~Shanta
Shana Biddle
July 12, 2018
$10 from Darcy Williamson, PO Box 4190, McCall, ID 83638,
$10 from Anna Stark, address to follow in pm
$20 from Brenda Fulfer, address to follow in pm
All are donations toward the raffle quilt.
Jane Holbrook
July 12, 2018
We're friends of Arlen, Diane, and Freya. Glad to be in a position (finally) to be able to pitch in. Will be thinking the very best thoughts for your whole family.
Melissa Waylan
July 11, 2018
Love you guys! -Libby
Libby Cope
July 10, 2018
Praying!!
T.C. and Kristen Johnstone
July 10, 2018
This donation is from Nancy Martin, 25202 So. Kingston Rd NE, Kingston WA 98346. She would like 5 raffle tickets for the butterfly quilt. Best Wishes TJ and family.
Jane Holbrook
July 9, 2018
TJ,
We're CABI friends of Arlen and Diane Donald. We are honored to have the opportunity to extend our support of you in this life-changing way.
May to have a COMPLETE and SPEEDY recovery!
Jeannette Bowman
July 3, 2018
Team Burgess will be thinking and praying for you all the way!
Chelcy Burgess
July 1, 2018
I love you both!
Abby Jensen
June 26, 2018
Getter done! Finish line is near. You truly are a special person and we are so grateful someone as equally special is willing to sacrifice so much to give you, and your family, the long life you deserve. We wish you both a speedy and healthy recovery.
Love the Hippachs
Rick Hippach
June 19, 2018
good luck tj
andrew donald
June 16, 2018
I'm so thrilled that this opportunity has finally come for you.
You are all so loved.
Arlen Donald
June 4, 2018
Dear TJ and Ainsley --- It was SO GOOD to see you guys last week. We are keeping you in our thoughts and sending lots of love your way. Hang in there! We will be ready to take you out on the boat any time.
xoxo
Pam & Paul; Shea & Libby.
Pam Cope
May 31, 2018
In our prayers
Jim Johnson
May 30, 2018
TJ - your Dad was a great friend of mine in high school, and a football and baseball teammate for 3 years, along with a lot of time together in off season conditioning and running. As you can imagine, with 3 years of sports, we spent a lot of time in the locker room, team meetings, and on bus rides. Great memories are made!!!
I saw during the service today how strong Bill's influence was in each of your lives - the kids and the grandkids. Love was just flowing out of all those pictures - they were great.
TJ, I was thrilled to hear of your upcoming liver transplant and can't wait for you to get to the other side of that process to be able to continue carrying on the Miller family traditions without the constant pain and medical complications you have been enduring. I pray that God will bless this procedure and carry you on through in a speedy recovery.
Thank you for allowing me to contribute in a small way, as a means of showing my respect for my good friend Bill, and in honor of the values and strengths that he instilled in all of his family members that have made you such a loving and strong group today.
My best wishes to all of you for the coming year and the changes you will find. Always take comfort from the memories and strong faith of Bill as he guided this warm and loving family.
My very best wishes for each of you for the months to come.
Quentin Howard (Borah '65)
Quentin Howard
May 30, 2018
Wishing you a fast recovery TJ. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeremy Ryan
May 27, 2018
We love you, TJ. Our thoughts are with you as you celebrate your dad's life this week, and we look forward to good news as you recover from your upcoming surgery.
Stephanie Miller
May 26, 2018
Best wishes from everyone at Bairds Dry Cleaners
Marcie Hammer
May 26, 2018
Ainsley and Tj, wishing you the best. Bruce Williams and Gro Buer
Bruce Williams
May 24, 2018
TJ's Father was my classmate. He was a wonderful man. I am sorry for your loss.
Ann Baird
