Donate to Save Izzy: Liver Transplant Needed

We know this is a big ask, We know that there are many suffering and in need. We know there are others whose story may be more compelling. We’re still going to ask because our loved one needs our help.

In March 2024, during a routine check-up, we received devastating news — Izzy had developed liver cirrhosis resulting from fatty liver disease. Despite having no symptoms and living life as usual, tests showed that the damage to her liver was irreversible. She would need a liver transplant to survive.

Since then, her condition has worsened. Izzy is battling ascites and edema, loss of appetite, fatigue and malaise, weight loss and weight gain as well as muscle loss, mild cognitive impairment and pruritus. A recent follow-up appointment revealed the development of a cancerous tumor on her failing liver.

Izzy is no longer the vibrant, caring person we know — her energy is gone, and she struggles with mental and physical fatigue. She can no longer participate in the joys of life she loved like dancing, hiking, beading and other crafts, vending at craft fairs and festivals, going to church and church activities, family gatherings and travel. She also enjoys practicing occupational therapy but can no longer interact with her patients and their families and it breaks her heart.

Izzy needs a living liver donor to give her a second chance at life.

This fundraiser is to support the Liver4Izzy campaign. Our goal is to cover ALL out of pocket expenses related to the living liver donor transplant Izzy desperately needs. This means neither Izzy nor our donor will have to pay for what the transplant program or insurance does not cover. We want to be able to cover transportation, lodging, meals, any out of pocket costs related to the transplant and follow up care.

The funds received would also provide support for the household that has lost income due to Izzy’s illness.

A family friend moved in with Izzy and her husband in November 2024, to assist with Izzy’s care and help pay utilities. Unfortunately, the family friend was laid off from her job in February 2025. Unemployment is on hold indefinitely due to a lack of personnel at the unemployment office. She has run out of funds for her own needs and can no longer assist Izzy with financially supporting the household. We are close to the 200 day mark waiting for a decision about Izzy’s application for social security disability. The typical wait time is 230 days. Finding a job is difficult for the friend due to Izzy’s need for assistance. Izzy’s friend provides meal prep, transportation, daily living assistance at home, and has covered utilities, groceries and incidentals like co-payments at medical appointments that Izzy neither expected nor could pay.

Our needs are great. Our hope is huge. Our goal is to save Izzy’s life. We don’t want finances to be a deterrent to our hero making their decision. We don’t want Izzy to stress so hard she becomes too ill to receive a transplant. We want to help our friend who has given all she’s got supporting Izzy during this difficult and trying time.

Any amount will help. Thank you for considering our story. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support.

Sincerely,

Team Liver4Izzy

*Please like, share & follow Izzy’s story on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Liver4Izzy. Please help us spread the word about living liver donation, the miraculous healing nature of the liver, and the fact that two lives are saved with every sliver of a liver donation.*

If interested in becoming a living liver donor, please visit UTCLivingDonor.com.

To learn more, visit UniversityHealth.com/LivingLiverDonation.

#Liver4Izzy #ChampionForLife #PleaseShare