Leticia Tovar

Leticia “Lettie” Tovar is a 63-year-old woman who has worn many hats—mother, sister, friend, and more. After dedicating over 35 years to the insurance industry, Lettie was forced to leave her job in March 2025 due to the progression of her autoimmune disease, Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), which has led to advanced liver cirrhosis.

From 2020 through 2023, Lettie managed her condition with medication and lifestyle changes. However, her health began to decline rapidly in December 2023 following two hospitalizations. Since then, she has endured multiple procedures, hospital stays, and complications including blood clots, kidney damage, and encephalopathy—affecting both her physical and cognitive abilities. She now faces daily challenges such as fatigue, confusion, instability, water retention, pain, and loss of independence.

In spite of these challenges, Lettie tries to enjoy life to the fullest. On her good days, she can be found taking her dog for a walk, playing with her granddaughter, planting in the yard, or cleaning and organizing her home. To those who know her, Lettie is the epitome of kindness, selflessness, and joy.

Due to Lettie’s size and blood type, her doctors have advised her it could be difficult to find her a liver locally, unless she finds a living donor. Because of this, Lettie made the decision to try and be listed for a liver transplant at Mayo Ariona.  While undergoing the required testing to be approved for transplant at Mayo, it was also discovered that Lettie will also need a kidney transplant. Lettie is fundraising for the cost of the ongoing medical expenses that come with being listed for a liver/kidney transplant, the cost of COBRA, the cost of travel to Mayo for monitoring pre-transplant, and the eventual temporary relocation to Arizona to be closer to her transplant team/post-transplant for 3-6 months, etc. The estimated cost for these items is about $30,000. This amount could increase if there are complications or both organs are unable to be transplanted simultaneously (i.e., Lettie receives her kidney at a later date.)

Lettie is hopeful that having a liver/kidney transplant will allow her to get back to a normal life. She would love to return to the insurance industry in some capacity, travel with her family, and drive a car again.

Lettie has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live as donations are tax deductible for contributors/donors and can only be used to cover medical and related expenses. If you are able, please donate to Help Hope Live in Lettie’s honor today. Even if you cannot donate, please share her story. We are extremely grateful for your support.