As you may know Avis has had problems with her heart for some time now. She maintained a positive attitude and tried to live her life the best she could despite progressive deterioration of her health and years of surgeries—several stints, bypass operations, defibrillator implant and most recently, surgeries for the implantation of an LVAD (left ventricular assist device). Avis’ heart has weakened to the point that it is now evident to her doctors that her only chance for survival is a heart transplant.

Avis needs our help!

Even with insurance, Avis will be facing many uninsured expenses associated with transplantation, such as co-pays, costly post-transplant medications and anti-rejection medications she will need to take for the rest of her life, as well as frequent travel to and from follow-up appointments. The support of family and friends is vital!

Due to the astronomical expenses associated with heart transplantation, a fundraising campaign in Avis’ honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Great Lakes Heart Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider a contribution.

For credit card contributions, please click the Donate Now button.

Your support is critical to the overall success of Avis’ struggle. Please know your contribution counts. Thank you in advance for your kind consideration.

Gratefully,

Willean Turner (Avis’ mother)
231-557-3016 / 231-457-4453

Ronnie Hawkins (Avis’ brother)
231-215-5452