Robert & Leslie Odom's expenses after transplant

Let me start out by saying that we truly, TRULY believe that “...all things work together for good to them that love God…” (Romans 8:28). Although the past few years have had some really bitter moments, we can look back with all confidence and say that it is only by God’s design that we are here. And, while we do not know just what He has planned for the future, we do know He is in charge, working in us now.

In August, 2019, after 22 years of teaching in the same, small Christian school, my husband, Robert, lost his teaching job. He was a Master Teacher, having taught literally thousands of students over the course of 33 years. So many students through the years have told him, “You were my favorite teacher, Mr. Odom.” Yet, enrollment in the school had dropped following the exit of the longtime headmaster, and replacing my husband was needed for the financial stability of the school. It was an extremely difficult transition for us, but despite our tears and the immediate uncertainty of the situation, Robert turned to Walmart. Knowing his excellent work ethic and background, the local store manager was happy to bring Robert on full time (he’d worked a couple evenings a week with them for years just for the extra benefits). After three months of full time work, insurance kicked in and we felt some relief. Robert could now look at moving up the ranks, and gaining a better, more lucrative position.

But that all changed in 2020. Just as everything began to shut down, he all of a sudden became very ill, and had to be hospitalized. After many tests, it was discovered that he had advanced cirrhosis of the liver – although he had never had a drink in his life! Following further testing, one of the doctors discovered he had a rare genetic disorder, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. None of his very large family had ever heard of it, nor been diagnosed with it.

For most, Alpha-1 affects the lungs, and for some it affects the liver. Worst case scenario, it affects both. That is where we are now.

Fast forward to today, Robert is fully liver and lung affected. In addition, he has developed a secondary disease found only in patients with end-stage liver disease, Hepatopulmonary Syndrome. This is caused by the liver, but affects the lungs, ultimately putting pressure on the heart to keep up by pumping harder. The ONLY cure is a liver transplant. There are no medicines to treat this.

So where does that leave us now? We’re working with Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, to get a new liver, and if they deem it necessary, also new lungs. Thankfully, gratefully, all the medical costs are fully covered by Walmart’s insurance! However, we live in Tennessee. We will need to relocate to Jacksonville for a period of about 6-8 months to undergo transplant and everything that’s involved in recovery from such an intense surgical procedure.

In Tennessee, we have our home, and all the regular monthly expenses - mortgage, electric, water, gas, etc. We also have to continue to pay our insurance for car, life, accident, and the benefits normally paid through Robert’s payroll.

Mayo Clinic requires all transplant patients to have a full time caregiver who has no other obligations. I (his wife) will be his caregiver, which means for the duration of this process we will have no income. As I said earlier, Aetna insurance will cover all the medical costs, and they will also meet our needs for housing and food in Jacksonville. However, we need the “at home” things to be covered. We are also in need of a more reliable vehicle. We have two cars, both of which are paid for, and get us to and from our jobs each day. However, they are older and would not be reliable enough to make the trip to Jacksonville (it’s about 625 miles from our house to Mayo).

So, essentially, these are our needs:

*Cover “at home” monthly expenses - mortgage, electric, water, gas, life/accident/car

insurance, etc.

*Cover benefits normally paid through Robert’s payroll

*A reliable vehicle

Robert has never given up on anyone or anything, even still trying to work, while wearing an oxygen concentrator in a backpack. He’s faithful to church, and has always been faithful to his family and to me (for nearly 42 years now).

If you are able, would you please help us through this process by giving, and even if you can not give, would you please pray for us, especially for Robert to have strength to endure, and for the person who will ultimately lose their life so that my husband may live.

Thank you.

Robert & Leslie Odom