GI Transplant

Hi

My name is Chrystal. I have a very rare disease called chronic intestinal psuedo obstruction, or CIPO for short. Basically what this means, is that my entire GI tract has ceased working.

Which causes intense pain, nausea, and no absorption. This has been a long journey for me. I was sick almost my entire life, with no diagnosis. Ten years ago I finally received the name of my condition. My doctor's tried many things, feeding with tubes into my small intestine, medications, surgeries. Ultimately nothing worked. So for the last 5 years I have been living on nutrition through my veins. Which enter my body through a central catheter. I have not consumed food or drink for those 5 years.

Many people can survive this way with few complications. I am not one of those people.

In the last five years I have had sepsis 14 times. I am running out of antibiotic options. So a transplant is our only option.

It took lots of doing to get me on that list. And as of yesterday I am.

It's just a miracle. This disease has basically taken my life from me. My family, and friends are my heart. And I am not even able to spend time with them. Do to the lack of energy, and amount of hospitalizations. So to have that back is the most precious thought.

My surgery will be preformed at UCLA.

In order to do this. We have several trips/expenses to go there prior to surgery. And when I do get that call. I will be hospitalized for 4 weeks. And then have to stay in the area after released for at least 1 month.

So there will be many expenses. As we live very far from LA.

I would appreciate any help. This surgery is life saving. And I didn't know if this day would ever come.

Thank you in advance for helping me live again.