Andrea's Liver Transplant Fund

In her words:

Hi friends and family,

You have all known for some time about my A1A Deficiency and the liver damage that has occurred because of it. Well, my excellent doctors have now concluded that the only way to spare my life is to transplant my dying liver. I have tried hard to battle against a transplant by being the best patient ever, taking my meds, watching my diet, doing all the right things and, yet, this disease has marched on toward transplant being the only remaining option. I’ve struggled with repeated symptoms like swelling and paracentesis, cramping, itching, rashes, nausea, weakness, and exhaustion along with the bigger issues of repeated surgeries on the liver (to clear recurring blood clots and other issues), adding stents and coils to improve function, and hepatic encephalopathy, at greater and greater risk.

At first, I truly hated even talking about it. It felt private and I felt exposed and uncomfortable by the attention. My Sunday School class and my wonderful personal friends have loved me RELENTLESSLY and pursued knowledge about this, so they could help me better. They’ve said amazing things like “we are showing up for you and you can’t stop us” and those strong words set me free in a way I cannot describe.

It is only because I feel safe and loved by you that I can allow myself to now answer the question of “how can I help?” My team at The Mason Transplant Clinic pushes its patients to conduct fundraisers knowing that we will have extraordinary expenses for housing near the hospital, medical out of pockets, caregivers, bills and mortgages, and a huge lack of income for a period of time until able to return to work.

I confess that I am almost pridefully independent and this financial concern has presented me with a challenge on top of the liver issue. I am now surrendering to the fact that I cannot do this all by myself and must ask for help. My pridefulness has dissipated and has been replaced with the deepest gratitude.

It doesn’t matter if you donate zero, a little bit, or a lot toward the goal (which is based on a detailed budget), I will love you all the same!! Prayers are also worth more than gold so I’ll gladly take those anytime!

The most important thing I’d like to share with you is the biggest lesson I have learned…

This life is not mine, it belongs to God.

I belong to God.

My health belongs to God.

My children belong to God.

You belong to God.

God is on our side, plans big things for us, and hears my broken cries for help when I have no words beyond that single one.

I am humbled by this experience and do not regret this diagnosis or illness, although I’d never wish it on anyone. It’s become a great teacher. I have bloody knuckles from fighting it but, Lord, I’ve grown because of it. For that, I am eternally grateful.

I love and appreciate you very much and I am also relentlessly here for you.

Andrea