Help Amanda with her Liver Transplant

As many of you know, several years ago, my sister Amanda was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called PBC (primary biliary cholangitis). This disease has damaged her liver and caused serious health issues (please read her message below). On April 20th the University of MN transplant team will remove her damaged liver and transplant a portion of our cousin Lindsey’s liver. The transplant process will not be easy and will involve out of pocket costs for both. But they will be in good hands as they recover at M Health Fairview.

 

So many people have offered to help so I have set up this GoFundMe on behalf of Amanda and Lindsey for those who feel called to donate and help financially. *Funds raised will help offset items such as lost wages, medical, and other expenses as they travel the road to recovery.

 

Thanks for your support, generosity, and kindness to help Amanda and Lindsey during their time of need! -Justin

 

A few words from Amanda:

 

 

Hello family, friends and loved ones,

 

My journey with PBC began about six years ago. When I was diagnosed, I was told that this liver disease usually progresses slowly. Unfortunately, my liver didn’t respond to the normal treatments, and my disease progressed much faster than expected. Over the past couple years, my symptoms increasingly worsened, along with my quality of life. During the summer of 2021, my team and I decided it was best that I not renew my teaching contract and that I would begin disability.

 

At 35 years old, I was forced to make the difficult decision to file for temporary disability. In May, I began the liver transplant evaluation process. I was told by my doctors that my best option at that time would be to try and find a living donor to donate part of their liver.

 

This past summer, I received a message from my cousin, Lindsey. She asked how she could help and wanted to see if she could be tested as a potential donor match. After a lot of testing, we found out Lindsey is a match! She has selflessly offered part of herself to save my life.

 

It’s impossible for me to put into words the overwhelming gratitude I feel. It means the world to me, my family, and those who love me. Lindsey is a healthy, vibrant and active woman who has made the decision to undergo a major surgery simply because she’s an incredible person. Her sacrifice is a direct reflection of who she is. Again, I will never have the words to express how much her decision has impacted me, far beyond the physical effects.

 

So here we are, just 20 days until the day of transplant, on April 20th. I’m here not only to share the story of my cousin’s incredible bravery and sacrifice but I’m here to ask for your support.

 

There are a lot of expenses that come with being chronically ill and unable to work — disability helps but it doesn’t make up for everything. My insurance covers a large portion of the expenses for me and my cousin, but it doesn’t take care of everything. I am humbly asking that you would consider making a financial donation to help cover the costs of health insurance premiums, deductibles, medication costs, and lots of other miscellaneous expenses related to the transplant and recovery.

 

Funds received over and above what is necessary will be donated to cystinosis research, a rare disease affecting Lindsey’s sweet nephew, Brooks.

 

At the end of the day, the last thing I want is for Lindsey to have any financial loss because she has made the decision to be a living donor. Funds will first be used to cover Lindsey’s expenses and lost wages.

 

I recognize that there will be people who would like to support us, but who are financially unable to do so. A great way to show support would be to share this GoFundMe page with your friends and family and on social media.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I appreciate your prayers, support and love. -Amanda

 

*Please note your contributions are considered gifts to individuals and are not tax deductible; therefore, state law requires us to disclose the non-tax deductibility of your contribution.