HELP WITH JODDY'S LIVER TRANSPLANT RECOVERY

JODDY HAS A NEW LIVER!

First and foremost, the Croswhite family would like to thank the countless family, friends, and community members that have given, and continue to give, so much of themselves to help Joddy and his family survive this long ordeal. It is by the outstanding medical care from the experts at U of M, Munson Medical, and the Beaver Island EMS and Rural Health Center, along with the continual outpouring of support by communities both on the island and across the country, that Joddy has survived to receive this gift and a chance for a new life.

Joddy received a long awaited liver transplant on Sunday, August 15th and is recovering in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Joddy was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in 1996 and has been on the liver transplant list for the past 12 years.

The doctor that originally diagnosed Joddy said that he may only have six months to live.

Little was known about Hepatitis C at that time, and over the past 25 years Joddy participated in aggressive and experimental treatments, endured medical emergencies and persistent symptoms associated with liver failure, and survived long enough for a cure to be developed and administered in 2016. Although Joddy no longer had Hep C attacking his liver, the permanent damage was extensive, and in 2020 Joddy was diagnosed with liver cancer.

This diagnosis was scary, but also provided him with the necessary “points” to move up on the transplant list. The transplant gave the Croswhite’s an opportunity for a new beginning, but has also come at a significant financial cost.

Joddy and Beth have had to temporarily relocate to Ann Arbor for the next two to three months by direction of his medical team, and will be required to travel to Ann Arbor on a bi-weekly basis over the next year once he’s cleared to return home to the island. As many know, life on Beaver Island is peaceful and healing, but also remote. Beaver Island is 260 miles from Ann Arbor and requires a plane or boat trip to access the mainland. This fund is being established to help Joddy and Beth manage medical, living, and travel expenses while they navigate the road of recovery. It is with humility and gratitude that we ask for your support as Joddy works to regain a new, healthy life. If you are able, any donation or encouragement is deeply appreciated.