Angelas Fight against Liver Disease
Donation protected
My mother has been a blessing to many, so today I will share with you what has been happening in our life. While mom is in need of certain things. I reset my goal amount based on my mom's birthday :-) but you know whatever we do raise, small or large, will be put to good use.
In February of 2013, the doctors told my mom to get her "affairs in order" because she had little time left with us. My mother was diagnosed with de-compensated cirrhosis of the liver (stage 4), solely due to complications of diabetes. My mom has lived past that initial poor report, but things are difficult.
The liver disease has indeed worsened. My mom's kidneys are no longer functioning so she has dialysis three times a week . That is 12 hours a week. At least once a week (it should be more, but her body cannot take it) she has paracentesis to drain the fluids from her abdomen. She has lost nearly all muscle mass, so the vibrant and energetic woman that you remember, has weakened.
I cannot express in words how real this has become for us.
I, unfortunately live, work, and am finishing grad school in Chicago so my father has taken everything on his shoulders. Please, do not get me wrong, my mom will still have her fun. You know she loves to enjoy life..but it is different now. She is fighting a strong fight, and doing so valiantly. She is my hero and I adore her.
My mom is at the top of the list for a liver tranplant (will probably also turn into a kidney transplant). However, her blood type is rare so the wait has been long. In the process of waiting, certain issues have arisen. I could go on and on about the constant complications.
My mom is the best mom in the world, so her main concern is the well-being of the little ones (Although my brother who is 12 is taller than me, and my lil sis is getting there!). She always makes sure I am ok when we talk about her health, typical mom :-). While my mom has dialysis, the kids will be in school. My dad may not always be able to pick her up so transportation for her is a need. Most days, dad will arrange his schedule, but if he has a meeting, he may be unable. We can get her an Uber or a taxi--about $16 one way really adds up, however.
One of the other issues has been my mom's medications copayments, and whatever else that is not covered/completely covered by insurance.
Also, help with cooking is another need. Mom and dad, do their best, but let's be real. Even I, after work, hate cooking for myself! I can only imagine how exhausted my dad is sometimes. I tell you, he is an incredible father and husband, and I respect him deeply for loving my mom through this right now.
My mom has (special diet) to eat fresh food, processed and sodium is not an option. I love to cook and before my current career, I was in the culinary world. I would like to cook meals here and there and ship them--but the cost of shipping is not really feasible. If I am unable, I would like to have someone local cook and deliver meals for mom.
Another need is airfare for me to fly a few times in the upcoming months for the purpose of going and helping mom and dad. I had the joy of driving up to Colorado in June with my uncle (mom's brother), and it was like a renewal to my mom's spirit. I would like to be with her every 6 weeks or so to spend time with her and cook some meals and help with laundry and household things.
Friends and family, your prayers are appreciated. My mom's church and bunko friends have been amazing, but at this time, I'm asking for a little more help. I work full time as a counselor but am unable to come up with the amounts needed to help with food, transportation, and prescription help.
These funds will be be put in a separate account and my parents will determine how it will be disbursed for the aforementioned issues. I may help with planning of a few things, but this is for them.
One last thing, do you all remember my mom's voice?She still sings at the rescue mission...Sings for the medical teams when she is in the hospital...It's not always as strong as it once was because of the pressure on the liver, but it is still beautiful, angelic, and sincere.
Please help my mom and dad take care of these things and have some temporary relief from the cost (physical and emotional) of this illness. Even one dollar is helpful. Thank you,
In February of 2013, the doctors told my mom to get her "affairs in order" because she had little time left with us. My mother was diagnosed with de-compensated cirrhosis of the liver (stage 4), solely due to complications of diabetes. My mom has lived past that initial poor report, but things are difficult.
The liver disease has indeed worsened. My mom's kidneys are no longer functioning so she has dialysis three times a week . That is 12 hours a week. At least once a week (it should be more, but her body cannot take it) she has paracentesis to drain the fluids from her abdomen. She has lost nearly all muscle mass, so the vibrant and energetic woman that you remember, has weakened.
I cannot express in words how real this has become for us.
I, unfortunately live, work, and am finishing grad school in Chicago so my father has taken everything on his shoulders. Please, do not get me wrong, my mom will still have her fun. You know she loves to enjoy life..but it is different now. She is fighting a strong fight, and doing so valiantly. She is my hero and I adore her.
My mom is at the top of the list for a liver tranplant (will probably also turn into a kidney transplant). However, her blood type is rare so the wait has been long. In the process of waiting, certain issues have arisen. I could go on and on about the constant complications.
My mom is the best mom in the world, so her main concern is the well-being of the little ones (Although my brother who is 12 is taller than me, and my lil sis is getting there!). She always makes sure I am ok when we talk about her health, typical mom :-). While my mom has dialysis, the kids will be in school. My dad may not always be able to pick her up so transportation for her is a need. Most days, dad will arrange his schedule, but if he has a meeting, he may be unable. We can get her an Uber or a taxi--about $16 one way really adds up, however.
One of the other issues has been my mom's medications copayments, and whatever else that is not covered/completely covered by insurance.
Also, help with cooking is another need. Mom and dad, do their best, but let's be real. Even I, after work, hate cooking for myself! I can only imagine how exhausted my dad is sometimes. I tell you, he is an incredible father and husband, and I respect him deeply for loving my mom through this right now.
My mom has (special diet) to eat fresh food, processed and sodium is not an option. I love to cook and before my current career, I was in the culinary world. I would like to cook meals here and there and ship them--but the cost of shipping is not really feasible. If I am unable, I would like to have someone local cook and deliver meals for mom.
Another need is airfare for me to fly a few times in the upcoming months for the purpose of going and helping mom and dad. I had the joy of driving up to Colorado in June with my uncle (mom's brother), and it was like a renewal to my mom's spirit. I would like to be with her every 6 weeks or so to spend time with her and cook some meals and help with laundry and household things.
Friends and family, your prayers are appreciated. My mom's church and bunko friends have been amazing, but at this time, I'm asking for a little more help. I work full time as a counselor but am unable to come up with the amounts needed to help with food, transportation, and prescription help.
These funds will be be put in a separate account and my parents will determine how it will be disbursed for the aforementioned issues. I may help with planning of a few things, but this is for them.
One last thing, do you all remember my mom's voice?She still sings at the rescue mission...Sings for the medical teams when she is in the hospital...It's not always as strong as it once was because of the pressure on the liver, but it is still beautiful, angelic, and sincere.
Please help my mom and dad take care of these things and have some temporary relief from the cost (physical and emotional) of this illness. Even one dollar is helpful. Thank you,
Organizer
Jennifer Moreno
Organizer
Chicago, IL
