Hi, I’m Luann Kahus from St. George, Utah

I never imagined I’d be writing a GoFundMe page for my dear friend Sherri Nelson from Kanab, Utah--but life has thrown more at them than anyone should have to face alone.

Sherri’s beloved husband, Dana--who is truly the funniest guy we know and always keeps us laughing--has been her husband for the past 13 years. Together, they’ve built a home, a life and a small business. Now everything they’ve worked so hard for is at risk.

In November 2023, their world changed forever. Dana was diagnosed with liver failure and urgently now needs a liver transplant from a living donor. The doctor’s final words that day, “Good luck” hit like a thunderbolt. They knew then, that they were stepping into a long and difficult journey.

Despite Dana’s illness, they tried to keep their business going to cover bills. But this year everything collapsed. Dana’s health has worsened, and he now spends most of his days in bed. Their income has disappeared, apart from a small amount from Social Security and a few odd jobs. They’ve sold everything they could: Dana’s truck, Sherri’s Jeep their quad, travel trailer, jewelry, and even Dana’s hunting rifles. Still they have fallen months behind on their mortgage payments and foreclosure is looming.

After months of grueling tests and countless 85-mile trips from their home in Kanab to Saint George, trips Dana could barely manage but endured for Sherri, they received devastating news. Despite passing all his medical tests, the transplant committee rejected him as a candidate. When Dana's hepatologist called with this heartbreaking decision, she urged them to seek a second opinion quickly if we wanted any chance of saving his life. Those words still echo in her mind: "You better hurry."

Their Fight Continues

Sherri refuses to give up on Dana. She’s contacted two major transplant centers that have agreed to evaluate him: - UPMC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - MedStar Georgetown in Washington, DC Both hospitals are now reviewing Dana's records and want them to come for a few days for evaluation. Since they're within 200 miles of each other, they plan to visit both during the same trip to maximize our chances while minimizing costs.

The Perfect Storm- While fighting for Dana's life, they're also facing financial collapse:

Immediate Crisis (Due May 27-28):** - Electricity shutoff: $383 owed - Phone service shutoff: $432 owed, Potential home foreclosure

Travel Expenses Needed:** - Airline tickets for both of them - Rental car for transportation between hospitals - Fuel and food during their stay - Medical expenses and medications - (Thankfully, lodging will be provided )

The Cruel Irony:** The transplant committee requires Dana to have a stable home to return to for recovery, yet they're on the verge of losing their house while trying to save his life.

This has been the hardest year of their lives. On top of everything else, they recently lost their sweet cat, Rocket, and their loyal dog Ozzee. Grief has touched every corner of their hearts.

How Your Donation Helps. Every dollar you contribute goes directly toward:

1. Keeping their utilities on now and while they travel for evaluations.

2. Funding their life-saving trip to Pennsylvania and Washington DC.

3. Preventing foreclosure so Dana has a place to recover.

4. Covering moving expenses if they can't save their home.

Why This Matters:

Now they just need the right hospital to give him a chance. These new evaluations could be the difference between life and death. Time is running out. The utilities will be shut off in days, and they need to travel soon for these critical evaluations.

Their Promise if they can get through this crisis and Dana receives his transplant:

They will pay this kindness forward. They know what it's like to face impossible circumstances, and they'll never forget those who helped them in their darkest hour.

Please help us save Dana’s life

If you are able to donate, we are endlessly grateful. Every dollar brings hope-hope for Dana’s life. If you are unable to give, please share their story or send a kind thought their way. It means more than you know.

A Special request

In addition to financial support we are also urgently seeking a living liver donor for Dana. He is very ill, and a transplant could save his life. If you or someone you know might be willing to consider this incredible gift, please reach out to me. Donors may be eligible for compensation and paid time off.

Thank you for considering this life-saving act of kindness.