Carol's Transplant Team!
Donation protected
“I have been told this type of transplant is my best hope for survival” – Carol Trammell
Carol had a liver biopsy in 1987 which showed some damage but nothing too concerning.
In 1998, Carol needed gallbladder surgery. “I told my gastroenterologist about my1987 biopsy results. During surgery they decided to take a look at my liver and were surprised to find it was cirrhotic.” A short time later it was determined to be Autoimmune Hepatitis.
“Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the liver and causes it to become inflamed. The disease is chronic, meaning it lasts many years. If untreated, it can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.” Source: (http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/aihep/)
Carol was put on steroids and immunosuppressants for several years. Eventually she was taken off of the medications due to a dangerously low white cell count.
Carol has been listed on the registry for almost five-years for a cadaver liver. Her MELD (Model for End Stage Liver Disease) score has not been high enough to get to the top of the list but her health has continued to deteriorate. Due to the shortage of donors many people die waiting.
Last year, her Hepatologist recommended a living donor transplant. “He referred me to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center (UCSF) because of their world renowned surgeons and the large number of this type of transplants they've performed. At the time of this referral Washington State was not doing living donor transplants.”
Carol will be undergoing a living donor liver transplant at the UCSF April 17, 2017. Her donor Kimberly is a long-time friend who wanted to be tested and is a match!
Both Carol and her angel donor will have to stay in close proximity to UCSF when released from the hospital for at least one month. If all goes well for the donor, she will be able to fly back home at that time. Carol may have to remain close to UCSF for a longer period depending on complications. Once she is given the okay, she will be staying in Gilroy at her caregivers home for the next three or more months.
All of the testing and travel to UCSF have been costly for Carol and her husband Lonnie. The funding we are asking for will help with travel, an approved two-bedroom apartment (one month alone can be as high as $8,000 in the area specified), food, supplies and possibly a rental car.
There are always unexpected costs, we are trying to set a realistic goal. We appreciate any help you choose to give, there is no amount too small or too large!
Carol had a liver biopsy in 1987 which showed some damage but nothing too concerning.
In 1998, Carol needed gallbladder surgery. “I told my gastroenterologist about my1987 biopsy results. During surgery they decided to take a look at my liver and were surprised to find it was cirrhotic.” A short time later it was determined to be Autoimmune Hepatitis.
“Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the liver and causes it to become inflamed. The disease is chronic, meaning it lasts many years. If untreated, it can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.” Source: (http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/aihep/)
Carol was put on steroids and immunosuppressants for several years. Eventually she was taken off of the medications due to a dangerously low white cell count.
Carol has been listed on the registry for almost five-years for a cadaver liver. Her MELD (Model for End Stage Liver Disease) score has not been high enough to get to the top of the list but her health has continued to deteriorate. Due to the shortage of donors many people die waiting.
Last year, her Hepatologist recommended a living donor transplant. “He referred me to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center (UCSF) because of their world renowned surgeons and the large number of this type of transplants they've performed. At the time of this referral Washington State was not doing living donor transplants.”
Carol will be undergoing a living donor liver transplant at the UCSF April 17, 2017. Her donor Kimberly is a long-time friend who wanted to be tested and is a match!
Both Carol and her angel donor will have to stay in close proximity to UCSF when released from the hospital for at least one month. If all goes well for the donor, she will be able to fly back home at that time. Carol may have to remain close to UCSF for a longer period depending on complications. Once she is given the okay, she will be staying in Gilroy at her caregivers home for the next three or more months.
All of the testing and travel to UCSF have been costly for Carol and her husband Lonnie. The funding we are asking for will help with travel, an approved two-bedroom apartment (one month alone can be as high as $8,000 in the area specified), food, supplies and possibly a rental car.
There are always unexpected costs, we are trying to set a realistic goal. We appreciate any help you choose to give, there is no amount too small or too large!
Organizer and beneficiary
Dianne Forth
Organizer
Monroe, WA
Carol Trammell
Beneficiary
