Don Whitley is my dad. He has five grown kids and five grandkids who all love him dearly! For the last five years (or more!), Don has battled a non-alcohol-related liver disease that has significantly impacted his quality of life. He has been unable to travel to see grandchildren or do other things he loves, like visiting friends with his wife Coni, fishing or hunting. He's had weekly medical appointments requiring painful treatments and was hospitalized several times. All the stress on his body also damaged his kidneys. He became very frail. There were many times I thought my Dad might not make it. The pressure of Dad's health issues has also been very hard on Coni, my siblings and all the folks who love my Dad.

 

On May 17, Dad received the life-changing gift of two organs via transplant at Dallas Methodist Hospital. We are so grateful for this anonymous donor who gave such a generous gift. Dad is recovering well from his liver and kidney transplant and has been in a rehab facility focused on transplant recovery and physical therapy. Great news - Dad will be released from rehab in the next few days!

 

After release, Dad and Coni will need to stay in the DFW area for several months to be close to Dad's medical team and receive ongoing treatments, physical therapy and other supports. In addition, he will need medications that will cost thousands of dollars over the first year post-transplant. Dad and Coni live on a very tight budget, and with mounting medical expenses, I decided to start this campaign so they can focus on recovery and not worry how to pay for double rent or meds.

 

We are asking friends and family to donate to assist with the costs of local lodging and medications to help ensure that Don recovers fully. My goal is that Dad and Coni can get back to their easy, relaxed life in rural East Texas as soon as possible.

 

We would be grateful for a donation of any amount. We are thankful for the love and support of our friends and family. Even if you cannot make a monetary donation, your gift of prayers, love, positive vibes and/or juju is greatly appreciated. You can also reach out to Dad via his Facebook page to leave a well-wish or funny message to make him smile.

 

You can find him here: Don Whitley Facebook

 

Thank you all for your support on behalf of my Dad, Coni, and my siblings! It means the world to us. (Note: this page says the fundraiser is in CA, but that's where I live. All funds will go to support Dad in Texas.)

 

Thank you,

Rachel