A Liver Transplant for Bob

Hello, my name is Melanie, and on behalf of my husband, Bob, I am appealing to you for your help! Whether you share this with your network or donate, I am extremely grateful for your kindness.

My spouse – my rock – Bob Read, is suffering from Stage 3 Liver Cancer caused by years of fighting Hepatitis C, contracted in surgery after a cycling accident when he was 20 years old. Bob’s best chance for survival now is to have a liver transplant from a Living Liver Donor.

We posted Bob’s story on social media this past August. His appeal went viral, reaching

3 million people globally. Thousands shared his story. Hundreds courageously offered to be his living liver donor. Many more reached out with kind words and prayers. The outpouring of love and support is humbling and is something we will never forget.

Through this effort, Bob’s Oncology Team has identified a small number of potential donors from the hundreds who selflessly volunteered. They've started the final stage of in-person evaluations at Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, with the goal of transplant

within 8 -12 weeks. This means the world to me, and for that, I thank all of you.

Now, we are asking for your help!

Some potential donors need financial assistance for airfare, meals, and lodging to complete the final steps. While Bob’s health insurance covers the in-hospital costs for both donor and recipient, after surgery, the donor is required to take time away from work and stay close to the hospital during their healing period.

Our first concern is that expenses do not become an obstacle for the donor. Out-of-pocket donor costs may be as high as $20,000 for both the final evaluation and, roughly 6 weeks later, the transplant procedure itself. The donor, with their caregiver's help, will require 3-4 weeks of local recovery in Salt Lake City before returning home, and 4-6 weeks before returning to work. This could be a tremendous burden for such a kind-hearted person.

Our second concern is covering some of our anticipated expenses. I will be Bob’s 24/7 caregiver, taking unpaid leave from my employer for approximately 9 months and covering our costs away from our Tucson home for long-term lodging, meals, health insurance, and a lifetime of immunosuppressant medications. These expenses will continue to add up.

Bob is now a few short months from a much-needed liver transplant. Your kind assistance will ensure that the process moves quickly and without delay.

No words can express our gratitude for the support we've received since Bob's life changing diagnosis. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Mel & Bob