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Pj (AKA. Patrick) is a very sick man. In April 2013, he contracted pneumonia in both lungs. This strong, independent 58 year old that rarely needed to see a doctor got sicker and within hours of arriving at the emergency room, Pj fell into a coma. He was in a coma on a ventilator for a month, and not expected to live. Being a fighter, Pj did survive, unfortunately, his liver did not. Pj was diagnosed with end stage liver disease; a liver transplant is his only chance for survival.
Pj is a loving father to 3 grown children (one with special needs who currently lives at home), 2 grandchildren with one on the way. He is a loving husband to Ellen (Ennis-Smith) who is teacher at Smithfield Selma High School, in Smithfield, NC. Their dream is simple… to grow old together and watch their children and grandchildren grow up.
Liver failure is a challenging disease and has resulted in 20 hospitalizations since July 2013. This disease has taken away much of Pj’s memory, his ability to work, his ability to ride his beloved motorcycle (which had to be sold) and his ability to drive “black beauty” his faithful pickup. Pj is a veteran of the Unites States Air Force and grew up in a military family but spent most of his youth in Fayetteville, NC. Pj is one of the most loving, personable, optimistic people you will ever meet. Those who know him know there is an aspiring comedian always looking for ways to keep you laughing. Before his illness, Pj served his community as a Patriot Guard member, member of the gospel group “Southland Harmony”, volunteering at a local Salvation Army soup kitchen, and member and former past president of the Wilson Chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association, and ministering to those in prison.
After many years of helping others, Pj is now the one who needs our help. Transplants are life saving but financially draining. Even with insurance, Pj has incurred huge medical bills and is facing additional large expenses including relocation for several months to be closer to Duke University Hospital, post-transplant medications of up to $2500 per month, co-pays, clinic visits, deductibles, lab fees and more. Also,
Doctors have recommended that Pj receive nursing care while I am at work, however, due to financial strains, we haven’t been able to provide this much needed service.
To help with the financial burden of Pj’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in his honor has been established with HelpHOPELife, 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 South-Atlantic Liver Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPElive for transplant related expenses only. Please consider a contribution.
Thank you for your prayers, support and generosity.
Gratefully,
Pj’s loving Wife,
Ellen Ennis-Smith 919-963-2103, EllenEnnisSmith@gmail.com
On March 20th, we were blessed with the gift of life. Pj received his much needed liver transplant. During our first post surgical appointment, we learned that based on his biopsy, Pj would not have survived much longer. The great physician has wonderful timing. Pj's liver is working wonderfully. Thank you to all our family, friends and community for supporting us during our darkest times. We love you all.
Pj condition has prompted him to be elevated on the transplant list. He is now listed as the #2 person for his blood type. We pray that this life saving transplant is getting closer to being a reality. Please continue to pray as we continue this journey.
As we enter 2016, we continue to await my husband's transplant. We enjoyed the holidays with the family, but Pj struggled. His children are rightly concerned, but we realize we are blessed to still be together for the holidays. As Pj's condition worsens, he sleeps more, has more moments of confusion and forgetfulness. Some days are better than others. Please continue to pray that 2016 will be the year I get my husband, and the children get their father back.
As we enter the Christmas season I feel blessed to still have my husband. He just completed his 26th hospitalization as he continues to fight this horrible liver failure. My prayer is that he be physically and mentally able to share Christmas with the family. Pj was recently updated on the transplant list and is now number 2 on the transplant list ( for his blood type). Praying for a hospital free, healthy christmas next year. Love those around you on this holiday and count your many blessings.
Pj just recently was re-evaluated and has moved up on the transplant list. While excited, we are also nervous. This is a big step, but I know that without this transplant, I will lose my dear husband. I am grateful for the doctors and their abilities to perform such life saving procedures. God is continuing to watch over us as a family and we are thankful.
We have other fundraisers being planned and I will post when we have more details.
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Pj Smith
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Donor preference is important to us. Please specify in writing if you wish for your name or donation amount to be kept private.
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