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 22 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. Thankfully, the University of Utah is now offering living liver donations, which means that TJ can end his 6 year wait on the very long traditional liver transplant list. An angel of a friend, Rachel, has offered and been approved to donate part of her liver to TJ. Rachel came into our lives a year ago, and upon hearing TJ’s story, knew she wanted to help. After many months of praying and research and numerous tests we found out that Rachel is a great match. The surgery is currently scheduled for July 17th. We are asking family and friends to help with critical expenses TJ will face immediately after surgery.
Updates (1)
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
Guestbook
June 19, 2018
good luck tj
andrew donald
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
