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Dear Family and Friends,
As some of you may know, I was diagnosed with diabetes at age two and have struggled throughout my life with the complications associated with this disease. Four years ago I was diagnosed with severe Gastroparesis, or paralysis of the stomach. Initially I received nourishment intravenously, but ultimately I had a total gastrectomy, at which time a feeding tube was placed. Although this worked for a few years, my small bowel has now stopped functioning and the feeding tube has been removed. Now, I receive nourishment intravenously again, which makes me highly susceptible to infections and requires frequent hospitalizations. At this point, my doctors at the University of Pittsburgh have told me that my only chance for survival is a multi-visceral transplant (stomach, small bowel, and pancreas).
I am a single mother of two beautiful boys, ages eight and 14. Until four years ago, I worked as a medical assistant. I truly loved my job and found real happiness in taking care of others. Due to my failing health, I was forced to stop working. Everyday I struggle with nausea, vomiting and severe pain. I really just want to be able to live a normal life, raising my boys to be happy. They truly are my life.
Transplantation is life-saving, but also extremely expensive. Even with insurance, I will have numerous out-of-pocket expenses. Post-transplant, I will have to relocate to the Pittsburgh area for at least six months. There will be daily visits to the hospital for biopsies, blood tests, and rehabilitation to insure there is no organ rejection. I will also have to cover deductibles, co-pays and the costly anti-rejection medications I will have to take for the rest of my life.
To help offset these expenses, a fundraising campaign in my honor has been established with HelpHOPELive (formerly NTAF), a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for nearly 30 years. All donations are tax deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Mid-Atlantic Multi-Visceral Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. It is never easy to ask for help, and now is certainly no exception. However, funding this life-saving transplant is a challenge I cannot face without your help. Your financial gifts and prayers are greatly appreciated.
With sincere gratitude,

Randi Wishard
717-328-5121

Updates (1)

November 15, 2011

List of Contributors

Thank you SO much to everyone who has made a donation to my campaign:

Dolores Powers

Debbie McKee

Sharon Elbin

Theresa Baker

Marlene MacGregor

Cindy Higgins

Pebbles Gipe

Darlene Gordon

January Souders

Robert W. Brannon

Anonymous

Esther Akers

David Marsh

Dorcas Showalter

Rodney E. Sanders

Wildflowers & Wonders

Faith Christian Fellowship Of Halfway

Barbara Kline

Lisa Koontz

Terri Barker

Sherri Clark

Roy D. Chisholm

Sondra L.McDowell

M. J. Lawson

Hancock Lions Club

Edward H. Bluebaugh

Jennifer Holloway

Anonymous

Flintstone United Methodist Church

Ronald C. Gillum

Carol Bannon

Wayne Lutz

John Murphy

Dale A. Martin

Hancock Lioness Club

Green Ridge Assembly Of God Church

Frank R. Cosner

Margaret L. Jones

James E. Ward

Harry L. Powers

Randi M. Pittman

Rhonda L. Orndorff

Megan L. Norris

Kingsway Trading, LLC

Peter F. Gacki

Margaret Gacki

Mahlon D. Eshleman

Sherrill Dillon

Glenn W. Clayton

Brenda K. Caldwell

Bernard A. Burl

Amy Damoulakis

Renee Streeter

Michelle Marshall

Anonymous

Michael T. Steiner

Andrea G. Knode

Amanda Fleming

Eric Reed

Martin H. Potash

Conococheague Elementary PTA Inc.

Carla Rice

Leandra M. Portmess

Steven G. Hout

Peter F. Gacki

Margaret Gacki

Franklin L. Fatkin

Douglas Motors, Inc.

Anonymous

Hancock Assembly Of God

Marsha L. Staggs

Carolyn W. Bond

Hilltop Christian Fellowship

Brian C. Hammond

Conococheague Elementary PTA Inc.

Vaughn and Janeann Snyder

NorthStar Ministries

Elaine Johnston

Michael D. Spear

Joseph Hermansdorfer

Sharon K. Kennedy

Wendy Staley

Amy D. McCarty

Vanessa Harrington

Russell S. Miller

Alban Tractor Co., Inc.

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Photo Galleries (3)

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Guestbook

October 24, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys.

cheryl flowers yeakle

October 17, 2012

"When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place." ~Unknown

Wayne/Greencastle

September 24, 2012

“It’s not whether you get knocked down. It’s whether you get up again.” ~ Vince Lombardi
I love you sissy!!

Rhonda