Cayla’s Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Transplant
Donation protected
My name is Chris Nelson and I am creating this Go-Fund Me for my daughter Cayla. Cayla has been diagnosed with hereditary chronic pancreatitis which has severely affected her young life in so many ways and had her in and out of hospitals over the past couple of years.
Due to her condition, she has been forced to quit work, drop out of college, and temporarily move from FL to Richmond, VA for this transplant surgery occurring November 29th, 2022, at VCU Hospital. Her surgeons will completely remove her pancreas, her spleen, and a great portion of her stomach in a 10+ hour surgery. Islet cells from her removed pancreas will be transplanted into Cayla’s liver as a means of hopefully taking over insulin production, a key function of her pancreas. She will also have a feeding tube, which is a port in the stomach where she’ll receive nutrition. She’ll initially be in intensive care for a couple weeks, transferred to a standard hospital room, and then after discharge have to remain in temporary living arrangements in Richmond away from her home for a barrage of medical appointments, monitoring and testing.
Cayla is the most loving, independent and courageous daughter in the world and I wish I could take her place right now. This surgery is her only chance at eventually returning to a somewhat normal life.
All contributions, no matter the amount, are greatly appreciated and will go directly in support of Cayla.
Due to her condition, she has been forced to quit work, drop out of college, and temporarily move from FL to Richmond, VA for this transplant surgery occurring November 29th, 2022, at VCU Hospital. Her surgeons will completely remove her pancreas, her spleen, and a great portion of her stomach in a 10+ hour surgery. Islet cells from her removed pancreas will be transplanted into Cayla’s liver as a means of hopefully taking over insulin production, a key function of her pancreas. She will also have a feeding tube, which is a port in the stomach where she’ll receive nutrition. She’ll initially be in intensive care for a couple weeks, transferred to a standard hospital room, and then after discharge have to remain in temporary living arrangements in Richmond away from her home for a barrage of medical appointments, monitoring and testing.
Cayla is the most loving, independent and courageous daughter in the world and I wish I could take her place right now. This surgery is her only chance at eventually returning to a somewhat normal life.
All contributions, no matter the amount, are greatly appreciated and will go directly in support of Cayla.
Cayla’s life before confirming the seriousness of the disease and have her life changed.
Cayla graduates high school.
Cayla spends the day with Rickie Fowler.
Cayla and her brother complete a 5k together.
Cayla’s love of competition diving.
Cayla’s love of competition gymnastics.
Cayla the beautiful cheerleader.
Organizer
Norman Chris Nelson
Organizer
Arlington, VA