Mark's Liver Transplant Journey

Hello, my name is Tatyana. I am fundraising for my father Mark Stites. As many of you may already know, my father had a life-threatening medical emergency in the first week of September. He was driving home from work when he fell gravely ill. He was able to call for help to let first responders know where his location and was immediately rushed to the hospital. The medical team worked diligently to find out what was wrong. We received news that his Liver was no longer working properly due to a condition called Non-Alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which progressed to Non-Alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the most aggressive and severe form of NAFLD. Unfortunatley, NAFLD is a silent disease with few to no symptoms where there is a large fat buildup and inflammation happening in the LIver. Researchers believe this condition to be mainly genetic but can be made worsened by diabetes and other health conditions. We were told that his Liver would not keep him alive and that he would need a new one from either a deceased cadaver Liver or a Live Liver donor. We began the search for a Liver donor as soon as we received news this would be the fastest way to save Mark's life. Volunteers from the immediate family got tested and received news that they were unable to donate due to similar genetic Liver issues. We prayed and tried to stay hopeful as every day was filled with doctor appointments and research into how to get volunteers tested. Time felt like an enemy.

After finding out the immediate family was not a match; Tara and Mark's friend Tina felt called to get tested to be a Live Liver donor. She flew down to get tested and found out that she was indeed a match to save Mark. The Surgery was scheduled 2/21.

What a true blessing at another chance for survival.

Mark's Liver at this point is doing very well. However, post-surgery there have been many complications in the last several months from various things unrelated to the Liver. Mark is immunocompromised and takes a set of medications every day. He is at risk for increased infection which he has been fighting several.

We need your continued support. Mark is fighting very hard.

I started this fundraiser to help my father Mark and Tara with medical expenses that won't be covered by insurance. There have been a few unforeseen hospital readmissions from infections. Donations will also help with gas expenses to and from the hospital for the coming weeks/months. Funds will also help pay for the necessary CT, MRI scans and bloodwork needed to keep Mark healthy and identify the source of complications. Any help is appreciated if you feel called to do so.

If you can't donate at this time, Prayers and positive thoughts sent Mark and Tara's way are very much appreciated.

Thank you so much to everyone who has reached out and for the support we have received over the last 8 months. This has been a very emotional journey and we are so lucky to know so many wonderful people as we work together to support Mark's recovery!