Steven Sturgis

Hello All, I am Lisa. The only daughter of Steven Sturgis. I am advocating for my Father who is terminally ill and awaiting disability via the VA to increase service connect pay with the verified diagnosis of End Stage Liver Cirrhosis due to acquired Hemochromatosis superimposed from Chemical Hepatitis. Due to his MELD score of 27-30 and rapid deterioration, we are exhausting all avenues for assistance as the disability review process may outlast my Father with given prognosis of 90 days.

He served in the USMC in his early 20’s and was honorably discharged after developing Chemical Hepatitis while performing active service duties as an Aviation Mechanic. He was also cross-trained in Aircraft Maintenance and Corrosion Control, exposing him to aircraft paint toxins, as well as jet fuel. His last duty station was Camp LeJeune in North Carolina. My Father loves this Country, and served proudly.

Though I am a nurse, I am no longer working as I am my Father’s caregiver 100% of the time. We are anticipating coverage for transplant under Medicare and Medicaid benefits, however I am recently informed that he may no longer qualify for Medicaid benefits now that he is living within my home (required for transplant evaluation to even begin) rather than the Nursing Home he had been in. Medications postoperatively for a liver transplant are up to $2,500/month. This is not including any of his living expenses, transportation, etc.

The family and friends of Steven Sturgis are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with a transplant. Steven has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because donations are tax deductible for contributors and will only be used to cover medical and related expenses.