Jeff Tignor’s liver transplant

A second chance at life is miraculous, even priceless! The cost, however, is real and quite difficult. Jeff Tignor’s liver transplant at Duke on May 14th was successful, and as his journey back to life begins, we can offer him hope by lifting some of the financial burden.

I’ve known JT since his birth and have seen him grow from a kind, charming boy, to a high school baseball state champion, to a friend who loved to sing and play his guitar, to a self-employed builder, to the loving father he is today.

I’ve also watched him struggle with a disease that nearly took his life, and he would have died but for the determination to see his daughters Luci and Lilli grow up — and but for the liver transplant. He has been unable to work the past two years, going in and out of the hospital with liver failure, knowing he was running out of time. With a 68% chance of dying within 90 days, he felt blessed beyond measure to receive the news that a liver was ready for him, giving him a chance to be with his daughters for a long time coming.

His new liver loves him, and most of the medical bills are covered; however, none of the required hotel stays, trips from Virginia Beach to Duke with the insanely expensive gas, or meals are covered. He must stay close to Duke Hospital for weeks following surgery, and his financial resources are exhausted. He faces months of tough recuperation not only from the surgery but also from the years of illness, and he needs help with those expenses. Also, he desperately wants to be able to contribute to his girls’ expenses.

The inability to work as well as the disease itself has been so defeating. While Duke offered him a wonderful chance to begin to live again, we can offer much hope by pitching in even the least amount to help him see the possibilities in this second chance at Life!

The smallest amount is appreciated! All funds will be used only for the expenses described above.