Chad Auber's Courageous Battle

Chad was diagnosed as a child with Alagille Syndrome, it caused him to have a liver transplant at age 18. Chad is now sick as his 24 year old liver is giving out. Chad got sick May 12, 2013 and was sent by ambulance to Montefiore Hospital where he spent 18 days. It was a shock to us as he thought he had pulled a muscled in his chest. He was rushed to the Transplant Intensive Care, where he spent 4 days. They placed a drain in Chad's common bile duct was completely occluded. The drain would allow the bile that was building up to be expressed to through the drain. After the procedure to insert the drain, I was told Chad would need a new liver. Chad was not told until a week later. Chad also had an infection that was raging through his bloodstream and caused a Biloma to form on his liver on his liver. Chad tried several antibiotics until they found that the Biloma was responding to Cipro. Chad still had to have a drain placed in the Bioma. Chad was in continuous pain as Chad's liver is so enlarged that it is pressing on his diaphragm, his heart, and his lungs. This is the cause for the shortness of breath and the pain in his chest. Chad was discharged to home with 2 drains, bottles of antibiotics, and a heavy heart as to what may lie ahead. Chad moved in with me, because living alone at this stage of the disease was no longer an option. So the girls and I converted their playroom into his bedroom. Chad was flown back to Montefiore on June 29, 2013 for a 14 day stay. He had developed another Biloma and another blood infection. He returned home knowing this would now be his reality, bi-weekly trips to Pittsburgh, blood draws, pic lines, shortness of breath and a multitude of other symptoms. July 28, 2013 the day before his forty second birthday, Chad began having symptoms of yet another infection and was taken by ambulance back to the hospital for a three day stay. Chad was very upset by this, we had planned a couple days of rest at his Uncles, and managed not even 24 hours. Chad the man and not the disease-
Chad is a 42 year old man who is a wonderful caring father, friend, brother, and son. Chad was in the prime of his life. He had a job he loved with Universal Well Services, a new relationship, and awaiting football season to watch his son play. Chad is not one to sit still, Chad is a very hard worker and is always busy. His work ethic is second to none. He has been very down about the fact that he cannot work and do the things he once enjoyed doing.
Since Chad is unable to work Chad he is receiving short term disability. This benefit provides him with 60% of his earned income before being sick. Due to not being able to work, Chad had to move from his home into mine, he is unable to drive, so any where he wants to go someone else has to take him. He recently-which was a very hard decision for him was the need to find good homes for his dog and cat. Chad's whole life as he knew it changed in the matter of 24 hours. NOW.....the medical bills are rolling in by the 100 thousands. He will lose his medical benefits on September 1, 2013, so he will have no insurance to cover medical costs. He is on a multitude of medications that cost 100's of dollars each month. The continued bi-weekly (sometimes weekly) trips to Pittsburgh have become burdensome with meals, parking, and the cost of gas.
It is true when in crisis you find out who your true friends are! Chad's friends, family, (my family), and co-workers have been wonderful to Chad and I during his health crisis. I can not thank everyone enough for their continued generosity and kindness that was shown to us during the last 3 months. I also want to thank Chad's, Universal Well Family-thank you for all that you have done for us!
Thank you again- this has been a devastating time for our family, friends, and most importantly Chad. We are asking you to please donate if you cannot, please keep Chad and his family in your prayers and spread the link to all of your Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail friends. Thanks, Colette Hamaker