Family and friends of Vanessa Tollefson are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.
Vanessa 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.
Updates (9)
May 24, 2022
I received transplant on APRIL 12th!!! I was the recipient of both a pancreas and a kidney. All was successful. I had some minor complications shortly after transplant occurred. There was bleeding at the bottom of the p0ancreas which most times heals and stops on its own. But after careful consideration the surgical team decided to go in for a second abdominal surgery to see if they could tell where it was coming from and repair it and stop it surgically. That was successful as well. I went home but was not keeping anything down. The transplant team thought it was due to my gastroparesis and allowed me to be discharged as long as I stayed hydrated and ate small amounts. After being home for a day and a half I had to go back to the ER at UW-Madison where they decided to keep me and do further testing to be sure it was not related to transplant. Labs continued to look good so they thought there was some stricture relating to the gall bladder. After a lot of imaging and more further testing all came back normal. After being in the hospital until the 23rd, I went home the second time on the 30th. So it was a LONG journey but I am so happy that I went through with it. I give all the credit to my fiance who made all the trips back and forth to and from home to Madison and Madison to home and took me to the ER after working a full day (early morning hours) and donating plasma and driving all the way there after such a long day. He ended up sleeping in the car as the ER was busy and they didn't have a room for me until early morning hours. We arrived there around 7-7:30 p.m. I also give so much credit to all of my family and friends that have reached out and gave their love and support and continue to check in on me.
Since then, I have recently graduated college with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. I graduated with a 4.0 GPA, receiving 3 Presidential Honors (one for the 4.0 and two others I was awarded from my instructor.) I couldn't have done this without the support of my family, Lakeshore Technical College, and my friends. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for helping me get to where I am. I couldn't have done it alone!
March 29, 2022
I am number 4 on the list now. That kinda sucks. But at least there is someone out there that gets one extra day to be with their family yet. They are doing transplants but nothing has come up for kidney/pancreas. They are allowing one person to be with me during transplant. I wouldn't get a call anyway since I am now INACTIVE due to an insurance issue. Let's talk insurance...UGH....GRRRR!!!!!
Since starting dialysis, I had to enroll in a Medicare Part D Prescription Plan. This was not something I was informed of or updated about when starting dialysis. Now, it is almost too late. I have until Thursday (2 days) to get enrolled in a plan and have the proper paperwork and go through the process! Some meds are covered, some aren't, some you have to enroll in yet ANOTHER prescription plan to get them covered and save hundreds of dollars a month. WHY IN THE HELL DOES THIS HAVE TO BE SO DIFFICULT?! I am beyond frustrated right now! I need this prescription coverage in order to be active on the list. So figuring this all out is my goal for the next couple of days.
We just had to utilize my savings for a new car. So nearly everything that could be used for a disaster like this is no longer available. My car's subframe rusted to the point of there being hardly anything there to hold it all together. So it wasn't really a choice.
On the upside of things, I get to go to see Shinedown, I am graduating in May, and I am enjoying both jobs. I have missed playing with my mini best friend. She can read and has the spunk and attitude of a teen! But that is what makes it fun.
Until next time, HAPPY SPRING!
Photo Galleries (2)
Guestbook
November 2, 2021
YOU GOT THIS!! You have all the support lady! We are here for you! Love you all lots!
Jenna Van Der Sande
October 27, 2021
We love and support you, Vanessa! Anything you need, we got you! Always!
SHEBOYGAN JAYCEES
