November 3, 2015

It has been over 8 months since Alma's successful liver transplant and we are so happy to share that she is doing great in every way. Her new liver has given her the energy and ability to catch back up on all of her milestones. Now at almost 17 months old, she is walking, running, climbing and has picked up quite a few words. She is still highly immune suppressed, which we hope can change once she has reached a year from transplant.

From time to time a bill still trickles in, and we find ourselves so thankful that, through the generous contributions of everyone, it does not impact our ability to provide a mostly normal life for our family.

Thank you for all you have done for our wonderful little girl!

February 26, 2015

The last 6 months have been a harrowing journey for Alma and the family. Throughout this time, we have been touched by the support we have received from family, friends and total strangers alike.

I'm so happy to be able to share that one week ago, we received the call that a liver was available for Alma at Stanford. She was life flighted along with her mother down, and the successful surgery took place about 18 hours after their arrival. She is recovering quite well, exceeding the expectations of the surgery team.

It's been an emotional roller coaster that has included being life flighted down to Stanford back in October, where we were displaced for a full month, only to head back to Portland once Alma was stable. We also had a heartbreaking trip to Seattle in which we thought a transplant would occur, but at literally the last minute did not.

The "Art for Alma" fundraiser auction was an amazing success raising over $17,000 toward Alma's uncovered medical expenses. The generosity of the art community, some complete strangers to Alma, touched us as did the generosity of the bidders who opened their pocket books to help, while receiving some wonderful art in return.

Furthermore, many contributions have come to this fund along the way in Alma's name to help us greatly.

These generous donations have already helped to pay some very large medical bills incurred in her transport to Stanford. They will also help greatly with our family's lodging while displaced in California for up to 3 months.

Generous contributions aside, Alma's condition as a transplant recipient will require life long medical care. The first year will be the hardest, with expensive prescription copays, and numerous clinical visits that will max out our deductibles and out of pocket expenses. Other risks exist on the horizon that may require hospitalization from time-to-time. For this reason, we have increased our goal to $30,000 in an attempt to ensure these expenses are covered.

We will be looking at other fundraising events such as a goods and services auction when we can find time to plan it.

Thank you to all who have donated, whether it be monetary, or going out of your way to support us directly. Without you, our situation would be very different. You have allowed us to focus on what is important, which is Alma and our family.

Sincerely,

Jereme