Help Ray Poole Recover from Liver Transplant

My name is Brandon Hockaday, and I'm creating this GoFundMe for my Step Dad, Ray Poole who just underwent liver transplant surgery. Ray has been fighting Non-Alcoholic Cirrhosis of the liver for quite some time now, and it has been quite a tough battle. Unfortunately it eventually turned into Liver Cancer. Thankfully after many months of appointments, treatments, etc...he finally was able to receive a liver transplant from a deceased donor (may they rest in peace) on Friday, 5/30/25. Both surgeons involved were extremely happy and optimistic with the outcome. The new liver was in great shape and began functioning right away! He's currently still in ICU, but as of now (Sunday, 6/1) he is no longer requiring the intubator, the feeding tube, or any additional pain or blood pressure meds! He's already progressed to being able to sit up in the chair beside of his bed, and is now drinking clear liquids! All of his labs are trending better and better by the hour and he's absolutely moving in the right direction!

That all being said, Ray as well as my Mom, Margaret Poole, are going to be facing astronomical costs not only for the surgery and everything that goes along with that, but the ongoing medication costs. Even with insurance they're going to be looking at costs of several thousands of dollars per month. Not to mention the lost wages from work, travel expenses (UNC Cancer Center & Transplant Center is an hour plus drive one way) for the ongoing visits, tests, etc. Not to mention they've already been experiencing those same expenses for several months now, with all of the appointments leading up til now.

We are all elated with how well Ray is doing so far, but he is not out of the woods yet. He's going to be in ICU for several days, then moved to a regular room for several weeks, then possibly will have to go to a rehabilitation center after that. Again, with how far away the hospital is, it's not feasible for my Mom to drive back and forth. Therefore is requiring her to have a hotel room nearby so that for one she has somewhere to shower and try to get some sleep here and there... But also so she can potentially work remotely when she can.

Any amount that anyone is willing to donate to help them get through this recovery is beyond greatly appreciated! Words can't describe our family's gratitude for all of the support they've received thus far, and any they continue to get.

For continuous real time updates, please also follow the Facebook page that was created for his journey at https://www.facebook.com/share/1C61nJP7XX/

Even if you cannot donate, a share of this GoFundMe and/or a share of his Facebook page is a huge help! As always, please continue to pray for Ray and our family!