We are originally from Dayton, OH. I worked in the legal and medical fields all my life until I became disabled in 2012 from chronic pancreatitis. For as long as I can remember I have volunteered at many animal shelters and have adopted countless numbers of rescued dogs. I have also fostered animals. I have two wonderful grown stepchildren and one precious granddaughter.
Since being diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis in 2012, I have been diagnosed with atrophy of the pancreas, pancreas divisum and IMPN cysts on the pancreas. I have traveled to see many specialists and I have been told I need a total pancreatectomy with spleenectomy and autolous islet cell transplantation. Basically they will remove my pancreas and spleen and reroute my digestive system. then they remove my islet cells from my pancreas and transplant the cells into my liver so my liver can do the job of my pancreas, which is to produce insulin and break down enzymes to digest food.
Since I have become disabled I am on a Medicare Replacement Plan. I do NOT qualify for Medicaid as I was told “I’ve worked too many hours in my life.” Medicare CMS rules will not pay for the islet cell transplant portion of my surgery and my surgeon will not perform the surgery without doin this as it would cause my diabetes to be too life threatening.
In the past year or so I have gone from 155 lbs to 105 lbs and I am in the ER approximately 2 times a month with an extended admission approximately once a month due to intractable vomiting and dehydration. I’m living on a liquid diet with Ensure Clear, which is very costly. Every month I have to pick which prescriptions I can afford.
My GI Doctor advised me the longer my pancreas stays in the higher the chance of pancreatic cancer, which at that point the islet cell transplant would be void. Without IV fluids a couple of times a month I would become malnourished and other organs could start to shut down.
Without the surgery the next step would be a port or PICC line and then a feeding tube, however I am only covered for a certain amount of home health care.
My surgeon and hospital in Richmond VA are requiring a $30,000 down payment to do the islet cell transplant. Donations to Help Hope Live can help with the surgery as well as funeral expenses as I no longer have life insurance.
I have been selling anything and everything I can in my house to try to afford my monthly expenses. We only have one car and we have to keep it for emergencies to get me to the hospital when I am having a pancreas attack as we live in a very small town with no public transportation.
No donation is too small. Thank you for your time to read this and your consideration. I have been blessed to have been married to an amazing man for 23 years, and to have been able to help rescue countless animals.
Family and friends of Tammy Combs are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.
Tammy has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
