I've been teaching for twenty-three years, molding, shaping and (in the fortunate moments) transforming young lives.  I have been performing in theater for most of my life and the magic in that endeavor is I get to transform who I am by escaping into my characters.  

Eight years ago, I found that my body had begun to transform without my permission. I was suddenly in a role which I had never wanted to attain. I was  diagnosed with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, an auto immune disorder which deteriorates the liver. 

I continued to teach full time and perform in one of my "bucket list" musicals, Sweeney Todd.  My body was in a constant state of struggle during the grueling production, so when a couple of months after closing night I was hospitalized and told that the disease's cycle had neared completion, it was a stark reminder of what was really happening to my body.  Without my permission, this unwelcomed role had caused me to face my mortality and face that fact that it would require me to drop the facade of independent, self contained woman--and reach out to my friends for help.

So,  that's why I am here now, to ask for help.

I am very fortunate that my health insurance will cover the surgery itself, but the hospital where I will be receiving treatment for my ailment requires that I have a full time caregiver during my time there.  I will be in Lousiana, as that is where the treatment facility is, for a minimum of four months.  In that time I will to need to pay and be able to afford said caregiver for as long as it is required.  

I am praying that the transplant that will restore me to  my life as a teacher, performer and most importantly, mother to my beautiful daughter, and wife to my loving fiancé.  

Thank you,

Leah Millman