GoFundMe 80,000 GOAL
Hi, my name is Shelly Tafoya and on behalf of my husband Bennie Tafoya, I am creating this gofundme page. In 2013 he was diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis which destroys the liver. He was given 5 years to live and fortunately has made it past that time period. His symptoms have progressively gotten worse and he is now vomiting blood, retaining fluid and it is so painful that he can barely walk anymore leaving him in bed 90% of the day.
Bennie wanted to say to everyone that he would normally write a plea for sympathy but wanted to give it to you straightforward. He said, I need a liver and as one of God’s children we are suppose to fight for life unconditionally. At this point in my life and my belief in the Lord I am willing to except whatever happens. My main goal to live is plain and simple, it is for my 10 year old Grandson Karter. He came to live with us in 2015 at the age of 4 years old as his parents could no longer care for him. He was abused and abandoned. As I go through this illness, it is impacting him as he is having a difficult time knowing that someone is again leaving him. He has severe ADHD and is on the Autism spectrum with many difficulties that require most of the time two people to fully care for him. He will need to be pulled from his school and home schooled for the three months that we are in Seattle after the surgery, which will definitely be a struggle for everyone. I struggle daily to help care for his needs. We were able to adopt him one year ago to become our Son. Me receiving this liver will ensure that I can continue to help with his upbringing and care.
Liver transplants are performed in Seattle, WA which is 5 hours away from Lewiston, ID where we live. This gofundme will help to offset some of the expenses that my family will incur throughout this process. This will also help with the expenses of the live donor and family (when we find a match). Although some of the costs of the transplant will be covered by insurance, there are many expenses that we will incur, including:
• Relocation and accommodations of my family in order to be near the transplant center in
Seattle.
• Transportation Costs
• Anti-rejection meds monthly
• Follow-up meds and appointments for the rest of his life
After surgery we will need to stay in Seattle for 3 months for close monitoring to ensure the transplant is not rejected, which will not be covered by insurance. He will then need the follow-up care for the rest of his life.
In this uncertain time, my family is reaching out for support in any amount you can. Your support will help support his journey and ease the burdens our family is now facing. We hate asking for help but we cannot see any other option, Donations of any kind will be appreciated. If you are unable to financially support please consider sharing this campaign on your social media. Thank you to everyone.