Help Brian get a pancreas!

My name is Brian Meadows and I am a 35 year old who lives in Huntington, WV. I am a father to three beautiful children, Dylan (13), Mackenzie (8), and Zackary (6). They are the main reason why I am trying to raise this money. The money I am trying to raise is torward me being able to have a healthy future. To be able to watch my children graduate and see where their lives take them.
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was four years old. I have been battling this disease for going on 33 years. After awhile, the disease takes a toll on you and starts attacking the body. Everyday is an up and down hill battle with my health. On a lucky day I will feel well for a few hours, but most days I feel weak or irritable. I don't remember the last time I could play rough house with my kids without feeling drowsy or sick. For those of you that do not know how diabetes effects the body, here is a short explanation: Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which the body is unable to produce any or enough insulin which causes elevated levels of glucose in the blood. So pretty much, I have a worthless pancreas. Out of all the things I could have been cursed with. I mean give me some bad hair, a big nose, a high pitched voice. But no, I was given an unworkable organ. It is odd to think that I have an organ inside my body just good as new, it just does not work. I wear an insulin pump 24-7. Without it, I could not live. After having this disease for so long, it is starting to effect my eyesight. Around two years ago I noticed there was blood in my vision. I woke up one morning in a blur. I could barely see my hand infront of me. I went to the Dr. and found out my pancreas that the Lord gave me was now starting to effect my eyes. The Dr. told me I could get laser surgery to help. We tried that. My eyes would heal for a few weeks, but the blood would come right back. He then suggested taking shots in my eyes every month. I have been doing that ever since. It is not a cure, but it helps. I was told by my doctor that if something does not change, I would not get better. Once the body starts attacking one part, usually something is next. This was scary for me. I knew that someday I would end up with more problems than just not feeling well. But my eyesight? This early? Then I thought about how blessed I am and I should be thankful for what I have.
One day I went into my eye appointment to get my shots in my eyes with this long pointy needle I have come so well to know, when my Dr. sat me down to talk. He asked me if I had ever looked into a pancreas transplant. I had not even thought about it. I figured transplants were for patients who were near death. I was no where near the end of my time. Was I? The Dr. went on to explain that I may be a candidate. Because if I do nothing, in the future (a short future) my organs would start shutting down. The circulation in my feet (which is very minimal) would completely be lost. I could not only lose my sight, but my limbs. This was a big wake up call. I decided to do some research. I had a friend who took someone he cared about to Cleveland Clinic so I decided to try there. Long story short, next thing I know I was driving to Cleveland for appointments. When I say appointments, I mean 9 hours of appointments. Tests, questions, more tests, blood draws, questions, and tests. After visiting a couple more times to the Clinic, and having more tests, I was approved. Yes, I was approved to be put on the list to be able to recieve a pancreas. I was so thankful. But then I stopped myself, could this be too good to be true? Do I deserve this? I was overwhelmed with my close-knit family that they were happy for me. This surgery could add 10-20 years on my life. 10-20 years... I talked to social workers and financial aid assisntants. I was then told my insurance only paid for only a portion of the surgery. The transplant surgery is an estimated $250,000. And they only pay a small portion... I am a full time assistant manager at Forth's Foods Inc. I work really hard for what I have and to take care of my family. I am unable to quit my job and live off the state. How would I support my children? I was told to sell my house. But where would I live? I am not fundraising for something that I can wait a couple years and save money. This is my life. This is now. If there is anyway shape or form that you or someone you know are able to donate, there is no amount too small, please do. I am not the type to ever ask for money.  But this is different. This is so my children don't grow up without a father. This is so I can be there to walk my daughter down the aisle. I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to read this. If you are unable to donate, if you could share the heck out of this page, I would highly appreciate it.

Maybe I know you, maybe you're a stranger, but you could change my life.

Thank you with all I have,

Brian Meadows