I was diagnosed in 2001 with Auto-Immune Hepatitis. It was controlled with medication for many years. Around 10 years ago, it turned into Cirrhosis. Still, I lived a normal life and was able to work, hunt, and enjoy the outdoors. I just had to have more tests and a change in medications.

Two years ago, my liver started to take a turn for the worse. I was in the hospital 2-3 times a week because the pain was so bad. I had a serious blood infection, needed a blood transfusion, and lost around 40 lbs. All the while, still working. Don’t get me wrong, when I was home, all I did was sleep. All I did was sleep during the weekends too, sometimes 12-18 hours at a time.

I am now being put on the transplant list at Presbyterian St. Luke’s Transplant Center. I have had all of my testing completed and insurance has approved it.

After the transplant, because I live in Montana, I will have to stay in Denver for up to 3 months to be monitored and have lab work done every few days for signs of rejection. After I am able to come home, I will be off work for several months. Between the surgery, the expense of staying in Denver, and not being able to work, I will not be able to afford the life-saving surgery as I have no 401k or sick leave. The transplant center asked me to do whatever it takes to find the funding.

If you could help out in any way, my family and I would appreciate it greatly.