Help Save Matthew - Transplant & Recovery

We have created this GoFundMe for our brother Matthew to help offset the enormous financial burden he is enduring due to his life-threatening medical diagnosis. The time has come to ask friends, family, and community for help in supporting Matthew so he can focus solely on his health.

For the past few years Matthew has fought Pancreatitis and type 2 Diabetes. In the middle of January, after numerous emergency room visits, he was diagnosed with acute hepatitis of the liver. He was transported to a larger hospital in their critical ICU department. Due to his failing liver, his body was filling up with fluid, which quickly started affecting his lungs causing respiratory arrest. The doctors did an emergency intubation, and he was on a ventilator for 12 days. During this time the doctors explained that every day was uncertain. Then we got the news that he would not survive without a liver transplant. After 4 weeks in the hospital they did all they could for him, so we took him to the UCSF hospital for more specialized care and hoped we were moving in the right direction for a liver transplant.

While at UCSF his health declined even more and the decision was made to start him on kidney dialysis. In addition he had numerous invasive procedures to remove the fluid building up in his abdomen.

The numerous doctors at UCSF did what they could for him and now with a long list of medications to be taken daily, the decision was made to send him back home to be as comfortable as possible while the search for a hospital and doctor that will conduct the transplant continues.

The only hospitals that are a possibility for Matthew are states away, requiring plane tickets, car rentals, short term living rentals, living expenses etc. It’s also unclear what medical costs will be covered by insurance. Matthew will not be able to return to work until he is healthy once again.

His focus should be entirely on his health and having the courage and strength to overcome this life-threatening diagnosis, which is why we are asking for help so the financial stress can remain in the background for him.

We are deeply grateful for any help you can provide to our big brother.