Help Candice Sheets Fight for Life

This is my “Bestest”, Candice Sheets. We’ve know each other for 30 years! If you know her, you know that she wouldn’t ask for help unless her life or her family’s life depended on it. Well, her life is now on the line. She is in desperate need of a liver transplant. As of this writing on 6-21-24, she has an offer for a liver and may be in the operating room as soon as the morning. Please read her story in her own words and if you can spare anything at all, please donate. If you can’t, then please share to your social media and friends. Thank you!

Her Story:

I have kept my health issues a secret because I know there are people worse off and we all have battles we fight. Unfortunately, this one is costing my family (including parents) thousands.

So...here goes...

Around 3 summers ago, my stomach began to hurt. I had to go to the ER. Turns out, what I thought was an ulcer was cirrhosis.

Now, this made no sense. I didn't do drugs, drink, or have a virus. Instead, mine is caused by a rare genetic disorder. They throw MASH in there, as well.

For years, I maintained and did research on slowing the process or reversing the disease. Sadly, mine is very progressive. In the last 6 months, I've been to every hospital, including UVA. I've had IVs in my neck due to kidney failure, I've had to use a walker at 46 yo, and my new best friend is the PICC line that dangles from my arm.

We are in debt thousands! Everyone in my family pitches in. My dad has become my driver and one of my caretakers (at 70). We found a great Pulaski ER dr that got me to VCU in Richmond, as I'm getting very sick. As tears flowed down my yellow eyes, my dad took me to the best! They have been able to remove 60+ pounds of fluid and still going. Not only that, they are the ONLY hospital that is fighting to get me on the transplant list (UVA won't consider me). Sadly, you have to pass dozens of tests, as it is one of the most dangerous and costly transplants. Most people die before they are listed.

My parents pay for gas and lodging at a wonderful place that helps families like mine.

I want to scream-- WHY ME every second...every poke...every bleed out... every step backwards...every bill that arises. I don't want to die, yet.

My husband works hard to provide for all my medical needs but things are getting out of hand.

Thus, I ask. For the first time, as my husband and I have always been givers--donating to charities, local impoverished, friends, etc. This will cost THOUSANDS!!!

Once the offer comes in...it will require a lot of traveling on my family. Once I get out of recovery, we will be staying at a local charity housing ($15 per person/ night). I will remain in Richmond for about a month!

PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING ANY AMOUNT TOWARDS MY FAMILY'S TRAVEL COSTS AND ME GETTING A LIVER!

(When the surgery happens, I will be required to live in Richmond for 1-2 months and MUST have a caretaker, which will be done in rotating shifts. That alone will be $3-4,000. We are going to attempt fund raising etc, as well.

I appreciate any help! If you know me...you KNOW my character, and I promise-- the money will be used to help with travel, lodging, and what is needed to get a chance to keep on living for awhile.

****Or consider helping by preparing a "carebox". Nonperishable items--easy microwave meals, snacks, drinks, laundry soap, board games, throw blankets, etc.