Hi, my name is Mary Parker. I have a dear friend of 49 years, Paula Smith. Paula has been like a sister to me as we worked together, went to the same church, know each other's families personally and we want more than anything to grow old together and no, we do not consider ourselves there yet. We now are enjoying our grandchildren posting pictures and spending time with them. She adores her sweet family and hopes to be here for them and her seven grands including her brand new granddaughter, Annie Alan. I am telling you all about Paula because she needs our help and assistance.

Paula needs financial assistance as this all began in 2007 and 2012 with knee replacements and having a shoulder replaced in 2021. She had complications and had to take a particular injection that she remained on for 7 years. Unbeknownst to her, this medication caused her long term damage causing her to go into liver failure due to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Throughout these years, Paula has endured numerous hospitals stays, doctor visits, endless medications, not to mention much suffering. Due to all of this, Paula's only hope is to receive a live liver transplant. Her symptoms continue to get worse and are difficult to manage. Through all that she has endured, she has continued to work, even though it is very difficult for her at times.

The financial burden this puts on Paula and her husband are far beyond most of us can even imagine. The numerous medical bills are mounting. Her insurance is maxing out, if it hasn't already. Paula has been under the doctor's care at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Her specialist and surgeon has recently moved to San Antonio and after establishing quite a rapport and trust with her doctor, she continues to be treated by him as he does return to Mississippi twice a month to see patients, but practices mainly now in Texas along with the whole transplant team. Therefore the transplant will have to take place in San Antonio. The live liver transplant, should a compatible donor work out, will be before the year is out, we hope and pray.

Traveling is quite difficult because she is not allowed to fly due to the risks of being infected by someone who is sick within such close quarters. Therefore, driving is her only option which causes more incurred costs for hotels, food, gas, and the list goes on. Paula's stay in San Antonio could be months. Roger, her husband, has health issues himself and will be unable to travel with her. But other family members will be with her and incurring many expenses, but they do not want Paula to be alone and want to be on hand should she need them for any reason. Please consider helping her out monetarily with any amount you could possibly give.

One more thing, if you are interested in perhaps being a live donor yourself, please check into it yourself at: UTC.#Liver4Paula. You never know you could be the one to help Paula or anyone else out there that needs your assistance. Please feel free to share Paula’s story any way you can and invite them to help financially no matter how large or small the amount.

Thank you for your prayers and kind generosity!