Dear Family, Friends and Supporters,
On September 20, 2009, I lost my small and large intestines due to a medical error and was hospitalized for the next six months living on life-support. On March 23, 2010, I received a small and large bowel transplant at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. I remained in the hospital for the next seven months due to complications from septic shock and a collapsed right lung. The right lung ultimately required surgery to repair the damage.
The transplant was extremely successful. I have experienced no signs of graft rejection and am no longer in need of any medical devices or infusions. The prognosis that I will enjoy a complete recovery in time and be able to return to business and a normal quality of life seems quite promising.
Rendered unable to work for an extended period of hospitalization and recovery, I have acquired many medical debts. I will need to take anti-rejection medications for the remainder of my life in order to protect the transplanted organs. I am also required to have extensive blood testing bi-monthly to monitor the immunosuppressant medication levels and their effect on my other organs. These drugs and blood tests are quite costly and the insurance co-pay is staggering.
I would like to thank each and everyone for the support they have given me during my surgeries and recovery. I am also eternally grateful for all of the prayers offered on my account and contributions made for medical expenses. If it weren’t for your generosity, I would not have received the level of treatment which has kept me alive. We have established this transplant account with HelpHOPELive (formerly NTAF) to help cover the costs of medical co-pays and other out-of-pocket medical costs.
HelpHOPELive is a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community with fundraising for more than 26 years. Donations are tax-deductible and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. (Those that would like to contribute a monetary gift, please see the information directly below.)
For credit card contributions:
Please call 800-642-8399 or select the DONATE NOW button at the top left hand side of this page.
Make checks payable to:
HelpHOPELive Southeast Intestine Transplant Fund
