I have been battling with liver disease that is now cirrhosis for a few years. I had a splenectomy 3 years ago, and when I get even a cold, my body cannot fight off infection. This has had me hospitalized in ICU the past few cold seasons. My last time, I was in the hospital for 26 days. My kidneys were the only thing not shutting down. Being on life support takes a lot out of a person. When I was finally awake, I could only say "ya" for a while. Fears are real for the people around me during this. This time was a really bad one, and I'm scared. During this hospital stay, my liver disease advanced. I was a MELD score of 34. MELD score is a score between 1 and 40 to diagnose how bad the liver is, 40 being you're dead. My doctors told my husband I had a 50% chance of surviving. It was a day-to-day battle. Slowly, I got better. It wasn't over when I left the hospital. I still had an uphill battle. I fought hard, and because I'm so stubborn, I pushed through. I started at the Mayo Clinic in February and had another set of hurdles I had to face. I had to prove to them that I was serious about my sobriety. Classes, meetings, blood tests just to show. I pushed through it all, making me stronger in the process. Because of my strong-minded (stubborn) attitude, I stayed positive and worked hard. This has helped my MELD score. Now my score is low, which is great. But that puts me very low for a deceased liver. This does not mean I don't need a transplant. It only means I needed to find a living donor. Miraculously, I found one. Not only is he a best friend, he was my first person to be tested. That never happens. This is a gift I can never repay or even know how to thank enough. Right now, we are waiting for the numerous surgeons and gauntlet of nurses' schedules to work out for this to be scheduled. Looks like in October. Emotions are crazy right now.

Cold season is beginning, and with that, a lot of fears. I am so scared that I will forget my husband. Everything actually, and that's really scary.

I will need to stay in the Rochester area for 3 to 5 weeks after the transplant. Insurance does not cover the fees that I will have. I will need a caregiver 24/7 during this time. I have a battle ahead of me, but I've got the strength and right attitude to persevere. I will not take for granted this amazing gift that I am being blessed with. I am here for a reason, and I will spend my life helping others. With doing that, it also helps me daily.

I appreciate everyone and everything in my life more than ever. I never want the people who care about me to see me like the picture I am sharing again. Thank you for taking the time to read this.