Emily Progin, PR & Social Media Coordinator
eprogin@helphopelive.org / 800.642.8399
Release: Immediate
GOSPEL SINGING WILL HELP MARMET MOM WHO NEEDS A TRANSPLANT
BELLE, W. Va.—On Saturday, September 15, enjoy a gospel singing concert at Diamond Baptist Church (207 Ferry Street) starting at 2 p.m. to support a great cause. Marmet resident Lori Stephens is fundraising for a life-changing liver transplant. Refreshments and other items for sale at the show will help with out-of-pocket transplant costs.
The mother and grandmother describes her journey as “a long battle with liver disease.” A fatty liver evolved into non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, then cirrhosis of the liver. Fluctuating liver health has left Lori with multiple health issues, including hospitalizations and even mental effects: “I lose memory, my mood changes, and I [am] unlike myself,” Lori explained.
Adding to the damage is harmful misconceptions. “People automatically think of a drinker or drug user,” Lori said, “but I am neither nor have I ever been. This diagnosis has truly sucked the life out of me. I still push myself to be a wife, mom, momaw, friend, and hard worker.”
Medical costs are adding up quickly as Lori waits on the liver transplant list. The surgery will cost $14,000, a burden Lori must shoulder along with temporary relocation, anti-rejection medications, caregiving, and other expenses. Lori is fundraising with the national nonprofit Help Hope Live to assist with these and other uncovered expenses.
Proceeds from the Gospel Singing event will be donated to Help Hope Live in honor of Lori Stephens. Can’t make it on September 15? Make a donation in honor of Lori at any time at helphopelive.org or by calling 800.642.8399. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law, and all funds raised will be used to offset medical expenses via Help Hope Live’s Mid-Atlantic Transplant Fund.
Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $131 million to pay patient expenses. ###
Written by Emily Progin
