May 7, 2021
Jason was gifted with a new liver last night! This transplantation has given our family pause to count our many blessings.
Although we have a long healing process ahead, we are very grateful for your good wishes and prayers.
Thank you!
April 22, 2021
Our visit as an outpatient to Porter Hospital showed progress for Jason. His numbers have improved which takes him off of fluid restriction. However, that means his MELD score dropped a point for the transplant list -- double edged sword!
April 19, 2021
Jason is out of the hospital awaiting his new liver. He became too stable to remain in the hospital. We are happy to have him to enjoy some sunshine, home cooking, and family and friends!
April 11, 2021
Jason remains in Porter Adventist Hospital while waiting on a liver. He has a wonderful team of physicians and nurses all keeping him on track for transplant.
Ken and I live out of the Hospitality House a few minutes from the hospital. Only one visitor per day makes it tougher than it needs to be. It would be nice to split the days or have the brothers able to stop in. Jason would like more outside stimulation.
April 6, 2021
Today marks seven days since Jason was transported to Porter Adventist Hospital. His care has been remarkable! The team here are all working toward the same goal...to prepare Jason for the major surgery of liver transplant. Throughout the past months, Jason has battled very low red blood count and platelets. This has meant several units of blood to optimize his health. Please donate blood whenever possible!
April 1, 2021
Jason was medically transported to Porter Adventist Hospital in Denver. This is where his liver will get replaced, when one comes available. His team is amazing! They know where all his blood counts should fall and are working to get him to optimum health while we wait.
The hospital has a house very close to the hospital where Ken and I are staying. All the comforts of home...except for Cody!
We have wonderful friends and neighbors managing our house. It seems a great appreciation gathering will be in order once COVID is in the past!
March 29, 2021
This week we begin a new phase of Jason's path. After numerous invasive procedures last week (finalizing his transplant status), he needed to go to Penrose Hospital to receive nutrition and a blood transfusion. We are hoping that he gets discharged today. He will be coming home with Ken and me for awhile. Our mid century ranch home affords him more mobility with less danger. Who knew Jason would need it before we did? We are very grateful to have moved into this retirement home ten years ago!!
Once at our house, Jason will welcome visitors! Outside stimulation is a good medicine. He has a few appointments each week but you can always text me for a time when he is available.
And, messages from his friends, old and new, are a bright spot in his day. Keep them coming!
March 26, 2021
3/26/2021
After two challenging days of invasive procedures, Jason has been listed with the Universal Transplant List. This is has been physically and emotionally hard for Jason. I liken it to the hardest rock climb of his life! Every day is a more difficult hand hold that keeps him climbing toward success.
Jason returned home with a feeding tube as his frailty has increased. The transplant team wants him in the best physical condition to accept the precious gift of a new liver! We are hoping to beef him up a bit. Ken and I wish we could give him 30 or so pounds of our excess weight!
Today he is back in the hospital. The trip to Denver really took the wind out of his sails! He continues to accept your well wishes and prayers!
March 21, 2021
This week we are traveling to Denver to the hospital that performs the liver transplant! Jason will be poked and prodded a bit as we whittle down the list of requirements for evaluation. Naturally, the transplant team wants Jason in the best possible all-around health! The liver failure impacts heart, lungs, kidneys, and overall circulation.
While the numerous tests are exhausting, Jason understands their importance. He is aligned with the potential of being in the best health possible going into major surgery.
We don't expect any definite timeline for transplant but are hopeful that the team now is willing to place him on the list. Once placed, it could be weeks before a match is found. Please keep positive thoughts around this happening soon!
March 20, 2021
Jason Eric Allen
* Founding Father Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, University of Northern Colorado
* Avid rock climber, mountain biker, canoe paddler, and lover of outdoor living
Jason currently struggles with end stage liver failure caused by alcohol. His diagnosis in July 2020 has been a downhill decline. Symptoms started with yellow tones to skin as well as distended abdomen, aka beer belly. That fluid on his abdomen causes shortness of breath, and pressure on his heart and digestive system.
While Jason awaits a liver transplant, his only hope for living, his days are spent visiting doctor offices and hospitals. Procedures, both invasive and simple, are required for the transplant team to be assured that his body his healthy enough to accept a new liver. Between the treks to medical procedures, he works at home with a physical therapist, occupational therapist, alcohol counselor, as well as a home health care nurse. Not what most 48 years olds are filling their days with!
When asked his hopes and dreams if he receives a liver and second chance, Jason speaks mostly about being outdoors — walking, canoeing, camping with his brother. We try to keep our sights on those happier days ahead when he feels strong enough to recapture some vitality and lust for life!
Jason’s family has launched a fundraising page. There is a definite necessity to having funding for costs outside what insurance covers. The site provides a central location for friends to leave notes of encouragement. He does not view the site unless I bring it to him but is cheered that he has a group of caring folks rooting for him. The site,
helphopelive.org allows friends to both leave messages and donate.
For the time being, Jason lives independently with his twin brother, John. His parents live about about 6 miles away and each make at least one trip daily to check on him, take him to appointments, make sure he eats and has outside stimulation. He would enjoy short visits from fraternity brothers, masked and/or vaccinated.
March 18, 2021
Yesterday was a very bad one for Jason. His abdomen has filled back up with ascites, his feet and ankles are swollen, and he had trouble breathing due to all the pressure. This morning he is back at the hospital draining the fluid. That is quite a process! First he has an ultrasound to determine where to place the 6 inch needle. Once the draining site is located, it takes several hours to complete. Two weeks ago, this resulted in 5 liters of fluid removed! He always feels better afterwards but cannot have them too often for risk of infection.
March 16, 2021
We are humbled by the outpouring of love for Jason! He continues to stay strong enough for transplant. Today his physical therapist made him stand and sit 10 times. That exhausted him but helps to keep him moving. Thank you for your ongoing thoughts and prayers!
March 11, 2021
This week we discovered the joy of no invasive procedures! These rare days allow Jason to eat regularly, and enjoy the comfort of home. We also discovered compression sock to help relieve the fluid buildup in his feet, ankles, and calves. They have made a huge difference...allowing him more stability as he stands and walks.
March 2, 2021
It's paracentesis day! This may be a new word to friends, but for Jason, this is a huge relief procedure to remove fluid from his abdomen. With liver failure, waste products are not properly filtered leaving them to roam around and do damage within his body. Effects include abdomen swelling (currently a 46 inch waist), ankle swelling, yellowing of eyes and skin.
Reversely, when they remove this fluid, Jason also loses valuable nutrients like albumin. So, the paracentesis leads to additional hours in the hospital receiving albumin drips.
February 25, 2021
While Jason awaits a new liver, here is what a typical week looks like...
At least one home health care worker comes by to check his vitals, stability, and cognitive awareness. These visits are followed by a phone call check in with his parents. Next comes breakfast and several medications.
Most days, Jason has a medical appointment away from home. This requires scheduling, transportation and the physical endurance to shower, dress, put shoes on extremely swollen feet, navigate many stairs (indoors and outdoors), and doing so under time constraints!
To most of us, this is a few hundred steps out of a normal day. To Jason, all these tasks require his focus and physical strength that is hard to muster.
