Support Warrior Wendy's Living Liver Transplant

Wendy’s Journey: A Story of Strength

My health struggles have spanned more than two decades, beginning shortly after the birth of my twins in 1996. Misdiagnosed with lupus, I endured years of joint pain, skin rashes, and high blood pressure before doctors determined I had a different autoimmune condition. In 2015, a sudden health crisis required emergency gallbladder removal, which placed added strain on my liver.

 

By 2019, I began experiencing more severe symptoms, including persistent migraines, swelling, and gastrointestinal pain. Blood tests revealed that my liver was struggling, and further tests confirmed chronic damage. Despite medication and lifestyle changes, my condition continued to deteriorate.

 

In May 2024, my doctors delivered the devastating news: I had end-stage liver failure. I was given less than 18 months to live without a transplant. The diagnosis was a heart-wrenching turning point in my journey—a mix of fear, hope, and determination to fight for my life.

 

Now, I face the possibility of a brighter future, thanks to my living liver donation and the support of my family, friends, and community.

Hope and Healing This Christmas: A Gift Beyond Measure

This Christmas season, my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude for the gift of life itself. After years of battling serious health challenges, I’ve been blessed with a miracle: a living liver donation from my cousin, Zara.

 

Zara shares, “I do it because life is a gift. My time here on earth is temporary, a part of a much greater journey. This is what Jesus has led me to do, what He has guided me to embrace. As Saint Augustine said, ‘Our life on earth is a pilgrimage, a journey toward our true home in heaven; therefore, we must use our time wisely, doing good deeds to glorify God.’ AMDG.”

My family and I are incredibly thankful for the prayers, kindness, and support we’ve already received from so many—it has been a lifeline during this challenging journey. Now, as my surgery date approaches in late January just a few weeks from now, I am turning to my community for help with the financial burden that comes with a liver transplant.

 

The Financial Reality of a Life-Saving Transplant

In 2024, the average cost of a liver transplant reached $1,100,000, making it one of the most expensive surgeries in the United States. While we are fortunate that insurance covers much of the expense, there are still significant out-of-pocket costs that our family must shoulder.

 

These costs include:

• Deductibles and co-pays for medications, follow-up procedures, and essential tests.

• Pre-surgery evaluations and post-operative care for both the donor and recipient.

• Lifelong immunosuppressants and other essential medications to prevent organ rejection.

• Caregivers expenses during recovery.

 

This financial burden is immense, and we humbly ask for your support to help us meet these needs. Your contribution, no matter the size, will directly impact Wendy’s ability to recover and reclaim her life.

 

How You Can Help

This season of giving is a time to reflect on the blessings we’ve received and the ways we can bless others. Wendy and her family are sincerely grateful for any assistance you can provide to help alleviate the financial burden of this life-saving transplant.

 

Whether through a donation, sharing this fundraiser with others, or lifting us in prayer, your support means the world to us. Together, we can help Wendy overcome this challenge and step into a healthier, hope-filled future.

 

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers.

 

With love and gratitude,

Team Warrior Wendy