A Second Chance for Lisa

I was diagnosed in 2010 with NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) w/ Cirrhosis.  As a nurse, I realized how serious this was and what the future held.  The only "cure" for liver disease is a transplant.  Period.  No other options.  It was aggressive and was not caught early enough to "regenerate" itself, or "reverse" the damage, etc. which are things I hear often.  As most of you know, I am a hospice regional director and have been in that field of caring for patients in the final stages of life and helping add quality to their life that remained.  I am a self-proclaimed workaholic, but have had to slow down considerably.  Thank God, I am still employed and insured.  Even w/ insurance, there have been SO many financial demands on this journey.  Co-pays, percentages, payments monthly, etc. leaves us very, very little to do things like vacation, buy "extra" for our kids, and we even let our home in Aiken go to foreclosure b/c the payment was more than we could afford.  We decided that I needed a change, so we moved to a small apartment in Port Royal, SC and we are closer to MUSC.  I am in the process of the transplant evaluation with only a few more "steps" to get done.  One is proving you have the funds in savings to cover expensive anti-rejection meds for weeks and weeks, Barry will need a hotel close to the hospital while I am at MUSC, and once discharged, we will have to get an extended stay room somewhere within 25 miles of the hospital for all the follow up and in case of an emergency.  He will also be unable to work during this time.  He is such an awesome caregiver and I couldn't imagine not having him there.  You guys know that I can be trusted and I have done so much to give to my patients, our communities, people I love when I was able to do for them, and would give anyone anything I had if they needed it.  I am just asking that you donate a little towards my cause, since it is my only hope.  My second chance.  My hope to see my kids married.  My excitement to one day spoil grandkids.  I would appreciate anything, and my husband will be managing the funds and keeping up with things.  I want to be better SO bad.  I miss being myself.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and please feel free to have any fundraisers or to share this with anyone that is on your friends list!!  I am happy to answer any questions you may have at any time.  God bless all of you and again, I thank you, my family thanks you.  OH YEAH!!! IF YOU AREN"T AN ORGAN DONOR, PLEASE BECOME ONE TODAY!!  SAVE A LIFE!! :)