Please help our mom in her journey post liver transplant

I believe we all have guardian angels in our lives. Some of them absolutely here on earth ~ as I'm certain that I’ve been blessed with more than one throughout my life.

Some of these Angels come in mama bear form. June Mitts (Rivera) is one of them. At the time our paths first crossed, this busy mama of three boys, was also the new Mt. Shasta apartment manager (where I, at 13 years old, was recently living back with my mom).

Over my 8th grade year, I went to school with, and became close with her son, John. Within that year, I also found myself potentially about to end up in the foster care system. Very few questions asked, June scooped me up into their home, & family, and it was like a weight I didn't even realize I was holding lifted.

The family has grown over the years through marriages, more bonus family members, grand babies, & fur babies. The photo on the front of this page is my youngest “baby”, with her Grandma June, summer before last. The newest addition to the family just arrived recently. Josh (June's youngest son) & his beautiful wife Brooke's baby girl made her debut in August.

I learned from a young age that family comes in many forms, and that love languages, though varied, share an essence, a priceless gift ~ in offering a place of belonging. A space in which it's easier to find resilience to be who you are, and grow into who will become. A place to feel seen in this often crazy world we live in.

Life also comes full circle. Now June ~ our mama-bear, who naturally looks out for everyone else, is the one who needs to be seen.

About 7 months ago we learned that her liver was failing, due to Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This continued to progress despite everything she & her doctors were attempting. A live donor search began, but the criteria for a match made it difficult. The more time that went by, the worse her health, and spirits were getting.

About Two weeks ago, she was placed on the national transplant registry, and UNOS database.

Then last week, a Miracle, she got the call! She quickly made it to Stanford to meet the surgeon in time. When I spoke with her right before, at a loss for the right things to say in the moment, I managed, “How are you feeling?”

Her response, “Terrified, Happy, Grateful.”

Yes, all at once, all of those feelings ~ I felt them too. I know the family from all our different life corners were each holding our breath over the next many hours.

I think some part of me knew she would come through this. June is strong, stubborn, & determined when passionate about something. In her own words, she loves life and has a lot to live for!

✨ It was a long night, & into the next morning though waiting ✨

The surgery thankfully did go well. Our family truly is grateful beyond words that this life saving transplant was able to happen.

Now comes the next phase. She is being released from the hospital soon, & will stay nearby Stanford for six weeks through the most critical part of her healing process. Our family is working on coordinating travel back & forth to help in the healing & care throughout this time.

Though I don't think she would ask this for herself, I know there are expenses that have & will continue to incur for June & the family members taking time off work & traveling back and forth. I know many of us are just trying to stay afloat as it is in the economy we're all in.

I started this GoFundMe page to help at least take the edge off of things financially, so that more important things can be the focus of the healing process.

If you have read this far Thank you for joining our family’s journey in this difficult time. If you are able to contribute any amount it is greatly appreciated, as are healing energy and prayers.

Thank you