Rick Lilly

Rick Needs Your Help!

Rick has been admitted to the Cleveland Clinic and is suffering from a severe and life threatening case of West Nile Encephalitis, and graft-versus host disease. A two-time kidney transplant recipient, Rick has participated in many transplant games over the years. This year, while Rick was attending the U.S. Transplant Games in Cleveland, Ohio representing Team Utah-Idaho, Rick was suddenly struck with weakness and neurological seizures. Rick now is facing graft-versus host disease and unfortunately a third kidney transplant surgery may be in store for Rick in the near future.

Rick was taken by ambulance to the Cleveland Clinic and has been there since June 12th; 1700 miles from his home. Rick has been undergoing extensive medical testing to determine his condition and the extent of the symptoms. Rick has temporary paralysis on his right side, and because he is a transplant recipient and immuno-suppressed, Rick is more susceptible to the devastating effects of West Nile Encephalitis.

Rick was born with a medical condition known as hydronephrosis and underwent his first kidney transplant in 1998, and as recent as 2014, he received his second kidney transplant surgery. Prior to contracting West Nile Disease, life was going very well for Rick these past two years, and he adjusted well to his post-transplant anti-rejection medications.

Rick’s wife, Emily recently joined Rick in the hospital and as a result, their three children have been without their mom and dad since early June. Rick and Emily’s parents and other relatives have been caring for their children as best they can. So far, Rick and Emily still don’t know when they will be able to return home. Emily is staying at a hotel and shuttling back and forth between the hotel and the hospital, worried about her husband and children. She has been the rock for him as he has gone through this trial. Medical bills, travel and lodging fees for Emily, medication costs, and living expenses are quickly adding up to more than Rick and Emily can handle alone. Rick also has the cost of his post-transplant anti-rejection medications from his transplant, and he desperately needs your financial support during this difficult time.

To help with the financial burden of Rick’s uninsured expenses, he may apply to receive assistance from the Help Hope Live Southwest Kidney Transplant Regional Restricted Fund. Help Hope Live is 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 to the full extent allowed by law, the property of Help Hope Live and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. To make a donation to this fundraising campaign, please click on the yellow DONATE NOW button. For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

Thank you ahead of time for your thoughts, prayers and generous financial support. Any donation amount is one step closer to a quicker recovery and brighter future for Rick and his family.

Gratefully,

Rick’s loving family