In August of 2015, a life insurance test saved Kristi's life!  She was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called "Primary Biliary Cholangitis."  It attacks the bile ducts of the liver and causes massive inflammation that destroys the liver over time.  As we all know, Kristi has battled this for the past 5 years by attempting all known forms of treatment including clinical trials and even MARS Therapy (Experimental liver dialysis).  It has come to the point where all treatment plans have been exhausted, and it is time for a liver transplant.  The transplant process will begin in December of 2020 at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix.  


So many of you have asked how you can help Kristi and The Carleton family.  They are so grateful for your kindness, love and prayers.  This site provides a tangible way to help them as they embark on a long and difficult journey of transplant.  


Kristi had to quit her job in July of 2020 because of her rapid decline in health.  Losing income while incurring high medical expenses has been difficult, and you all have been such a blessing and answered prayer!  Although the specific needs of the transplant process are not all known yet, here is what we know that Kristi and her family will need help with.


* Travel to and from Phoenix, especially for Nick as he will juggle working and caring for Kristi  (If anyone has airline miles for Nick to be able to fly in and out of Eagle County Airport, that would be a huge blessing.  They have lots of Southwest miles to use to fly in and out of Denver.)  They plan to have one car in AZ and one car in CO and they will stay in an RV at an RV park next to the hospital.  


* Living expenses in Phoenix as they will need a home base there for many months  (Estimated at $1200/month) 


* A house cleaner to help take care of dishes, laundry and cleaning while Kristi is in AZ and recovering.  She will not be able to complete those tasks for at least 6 months to a year.  


* The Carleton's will have to carry two health insurance policies in order to get Kristi's care covered.  This means two monthly premiums and two deductibles.  


* Help with kids, driving to and from school, watching them while Nick is in AZ, cooking meals for them, helping with homework, etc.  


* Help with errands, shopping and meals


Please follow Kristi's transplant journey on her Caring Bridge page by clicking here...https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kristicarleton


Thank you for your love and support!