Karen DiBagno

Waking up one day to liver disease and cancer..

One day I was working and feeling fine and the next I could not get out of my bed. It was at this point that my doctors found a cancerous tumor in my liver. I was also diagnosed with cirrhosis of my liver. I was a social drinker, but never drank excessively.

My life was going well with the occasional bumps and challenges. One of the biggest challenges I faced was loosing my beloved husband 4 years prior to suicide. My world crashed. Now, I’m facing my own mortality. I’m frightened, but hopeful to stay alive for my family and my friends to share smiles, laughter and even tears.

I find myself in need of help now with the skyrocketing costs of healthcare and the drugs needed to sustain my new liver once I receive my transplant. The medication alone is more than I could ever afford alone. Therefore anyone who can help, even if I don’t know you personally, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

If you choose to help myself, my friends and my family I would like you to know that my goal is to remain strong to be a person who can be here for others who just need a helping hand. Thank you for reading and bringing me hope.