Support Blaine Through His Transplant and Recovery

***UPDATE*** 21 Oct 23

Thank you for the support received this far. We wanted to share an update on how Blaine is doing since the situation is still evolving. With the last month, Blaine has had 3 liver transplants and an additional 9 other surgical procedures to address complications related to the liver transplants. This has resulted in more than a month stay in the surgical ICU including many days under sedation with a breathing tube and a few days in a medically induced coma and many weeks struggling to find the balance between stabilizing his condition and managing his pain.

Throughout this time Blaine's wife Marcey, his daughter Alyssa, and mother and father-in-law have remained by his side providing support, encouragement, and strength to continue fighting.

The road ahead remains unclear, but we anticipate a long journey to recovery with multiple weeks remaining in the hospital and extensive after care in the Seattle area before Blaine can return home to Alaska.

While the Bish family is blessed to have high quality health insurance, this experience has incurred and will continue to incur a number of unplanned expenses not covered or reimbursed through insurance and any support you can provide will be much appreciated to help relieve the stress during this difficult time.

If you are interested in following Blaine's journey more closely, you may request to join the private Facebook group, Help Find A Liver for Blaine.

I want to tell you about a family I have recently come to know who need prayers and support. Blaine and Marcey Bish are originally from Punxsutawney, PA but have called Alaska home for over 25 years since the military brought them here in 1998 with their two children Alyssa and Ryan. In mid 2021, Blaine learned he had Cirrhosis of the Liver and later discovered the underlying cause is a genetic deficiency called Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. His condition quickly deteriorated and in December 2022 his Alaska medical team referred him to the University of Washington liver transplant team for transplant care not available in Alaska. This is when the search for a living liver donor began, and numerous family members and friends stepped up to be evaluated.

In early September 2023, a family member, Jay, was notified that he qualified to be a donor and by committing to donate, Blaine would be placed at the top of the list for a matching donor (since Blaine and Jay have different blood types, Jay could not be a direct donor for Blaine). Blaine's surgery on September 19, 2023, faced multiple complications drawing it out to almost 18 hours but was ultimately successful. However, the day following the initial surgery a string of complications began to emerge including blood clots in the vein feeding the liver, drainage issues, and increasing abdominal inflammation. Blaine was returned to the operating room numerous times to address these complications and was even placed in a medically induced coma for several days while his abdomen remained open to support healing. On September 29, 2023, the transplant team determined the complications had become too many and the adjustments made to accommodate the donated liver were insufficient, a new liver was needed. Blaine was re-listed as a high priority on the UNOS list and is as of October 1, 2023, is awaiting a second transplant.

Meanwhile, Jay's surgery to donate a portion of his liver to an anonymous recipient was on September 26, 2023. Within four days his healing had progressed to the point that the team released him from the hospital to remain in the Seattle area for two weeks for healing and follow ups. Jay's healing is expected to take approximately 8 weeks, during which time he will not be able to return to work.

To support this family, donations are requested to help cover lost wages and medical and caregiver expenses not covered by insurance, such as food and lodging for immediate family members in the Seattle area supporting Blaine and Jay's recovery.

Blaine has currently been in the hospital for well over two weeks and at minimum is anticipated to be there at least an additional two weeks (assuming the second transplant surgery happens soon). Additionally, Blaine will be required to remain in the Seattle area for a minimum of 90 days. During which time, he will be required to return to the hospital multiple days per week for appointments and further monitoring.

Any support for this family is greatly appreciated. Thank you for any consideration, every bit helps May God bless you all!