Standing with Ashley & Rashaud Payne Through a Challenging Season

Hi, my name is Ashley Payne, and I’m reaching out with an open heart during one of the toughest times of my life.

In September 26, 2023, I received the gift of life through a liver transplant. For nearly two years, I was blessed with renewed health and the chance to rebuild my life. Sadly, I am now facing organ rejection, and my doctors believe it may soon progress into chronic rejection. The road has been overwhelming…..

physically, emotionally, and financially….. but I continue to lean on faith, gratitude, and the love of my family to get through each day.

Right now, I’m living on disability income, but it simply isn’t enough to cover essential living costs, medical treatments, and daily needs. Every day brings new challenges, and I’m doing my best to stay strong for myself and my son.

One of the hardest parts of this journey has been watching how it’s affected my son, Rashaud. He was attending Clemson University, majoring in Biological Science with a remarkable 3.8 GPA. When my health began to decline, Rashaud made the difficult decision to come home so he could help care for me as my body started showing signs of rejection. His love, maturity, and selflessness have been incredible blessings in the midst of so much uncertainty.

This fundraiser is to help us manage the growing financial and emotional burdens we’re facing. Your support will go toward:

• Everyday household and living expenses

• Medical and recovery costs

• Educational support for Rashaud as he continues his senior year remotely

Every donation no matter the size means the world to us. It helps bring a bit more stability, peace, and hope during this difficult time. And if you aren’t able to give financially, your prayers, words of encouragement, and simply sharing our story are equally powerful acts of kindness.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, caring, and believing in us. Your love and support are reminders that even in hard times, there’s still so much goodness in the world.

With love and gratitude,

Ashley Payne & Family

Understanding “Signs of Rejection” After a Liver Transplant

After a liver transplant, the body’s immune system recognizes the new liver as “foreign.” Its natural instinct is to try to protect you by fighting off what it doesn’t recognize — even though the new liver is there to help you survive. This reaction is called rejection.

When doctors say someone is “showing signs of rejection,” it means the immune system has started attacking the transplanted liver. It doesn’t always happen right away — sometimes it can appear months or even years after surgery.

In my case, the early signs of rejection have started to show. This might include things like:

• Feeling constantly tired and weak

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

• Pain or tenderness near the liver area

• Fever or flu-like symptoms

• Abnormal bloodwork showing the liver isn’t working as well as it should

At this stage, doctors call it acute rejection, which can sometimes be managed with medication and close monitoring. But if the immune system continues to attack the liver over time, it can turn into chronic rejection, a more serious, long-term condition that often leads to permanent liver damage and the need for another transplant.

So right now, my doctors and I are fighting hard to slow or stop the rejection process, adjusting medications, attending regular hospital visits, and watching my health closely. It’s a delicate and emotional battle, but one I’m facing with faith, hope, and determination.