Craig's Liver Transplant Team

On October 4, 2016 Craig was admitted into Ochsner Hospital for suspected liver failure.  It was found that he had end stage liver disease and this diagnosis is terminal. Since then, he has undergone rigorous scrutiny and subsequent medical testing in an effort to be approved for the liver transplant list. On Friday March 24, 2017, Craig received the amazing news that he has finally BEEN APPROVED to be placed on the organ TRASNPLANT LIST.  Throughout this process, Craig has been very ill! He is struggling with nausea, loss of appetite and extreme fatigue.  Routine tasks are sometimes too much for him to power through.  Craig made a decision to quit drinking and I'm happy to report that he has been sober since October 4!  This ordeal has been an emotional roller coaster for him, but to my delight his spirits have been lifted since receiving the news that he is now on the liver transplant list. This is literally a new lease on life. There is, however, a long road ahead for Craig on this journey.  He does not know how long it will take for him to actually receive a liver that is a match for him &  even after he does, the post-transplant process is a delicate one.  Prior to surgery, the doctors will lower his immune systeme immensely to help ensure his body does not reject this foreign organ.  This will leave Craig's body VERY vulnerable to infections and other complications.  In addition to this and the risk of rejection, for 90 days post-op he cannot lift anything over 5 lbs. Craig has exhausted all of his finanical resources in the past 6 months and unfortunately still has an undetermined period of time ahead of him during which he is unable to work.  He is in need of financial help to make it through this transplant process and has reluctantly decided to ask his friends for help.  There are financial burdens now placed on him above and beyond normal living expenses. This is due to medical bills for many doctor's appointments and medications that he will be REQUIRED to have post-transplant.  Anything you can contribute to help will be greatly appreciated. As Craig's best friend, I have been by his side since day one and have seen him struggle tremendously, both physically and mentally. Anything you can do to help take some of the financial stress off of him will be great! He really needs our help right now!