I am asking for your help! My very dear friend, Don Colbert just underwent a Liver Transplant in New Orleans on Monday.  I've know Don and his wife, Linda for 15 years.  Don is the owner/operator of Auto Body Crafters in Monroe.  He has worked in this profession for 40+  years, but owned his business the last 20 years.  When not working Don would spend his time coaching baseball and football for his grandson's team.  It was about this time last year that Don started feeling bad. He didn't have  energy, and generally just felt bad. He spent months going to different doctor  to be told  his problems seemed to be linked to his Diabetes or problems with associated his heart as he had had a heart bypass a few years ago.  After countless test and referrals with a specialist, Don was finally diagnosed with Cirrhosis of the Liver.  This news seemed to be a death sentence... Don owning his own business didn't have the good fortune of having sick leave or a co-worker to step in and pick up his slack.  His son and stepsons would help whenever possible but they have jobs and a family of their own to support.  Don has spent the year struggling with excessive fluid retention (10+ lbs) that would have to be drained weakly, he would battle with dizziness, confusion.... He  wasn't able to make it to work before 9-10 each morning and once there he'd have to take 6-10 breaks during each hour he worked due to shortness of breath, dizziness, and simply lack of energy. Many times Linda have to leave work or she would not even make it in because Don couldn't stay alone. In January 2020 Linda was nearing her 20 year mark at the City of Monroe (Louisiana Purchase Zoo) and after much heartache and deliberation decided she needed to take her early retirement because Don's condition was worsening and he couldn't stay alone. In January and February of 2020, Don was hospitalized 5 times.... Not only was this monster eating away at Don he and Linda were battling a horrid financial strain.  Seeing your best friend cry daily and only be able to offer up prayers for her and Don was heartbreaking.  Almost 11 months after diagnosis, Don was finally put on the transplant list.  Even  though this was wonderful news, Don had never qualified for assistance of ANY KIND.  Here is a man that has always worked and supported his family and now when he needed it most, he couldn't get SS Disability, Medicare / Medical, or even Food Stamps.  Don and Linda's  finances were hitting bottom with no known way out.  Their children would help when possible, but they couldn't lessen the burden.  By the Grace of our Heavenly Father, Don received a liver on Monday, May 25 almost a year to the day he was diagnosed. Transplant  Surgery was a success, but now the wait to make sure there is no rejection.  For the next 8+ weeks Linda and Don will have to rent an apartment in New Orleans, so that he can be monitored closely.  I'm asking for your unceasing prayers that Don's transplant is a total success.  I firmly believe that through our Heavenly Father this can be done.  If you have an extra $1, $5,$25.... Just anything, they need financial help.  There is a mortgage, utilities, insurance cost, and now another rent, utilities, groceries, etc for their stay in New Orleans.  Thank you in advance for your prayers and donation.  Please know that ANY amount will help and be much appreciated.  

Don and Linda, please know I love you both so much and God has been so good.... These hard times will too pass! ❤️

Kimber