Stand by Stan: Steps Toward a Liver Transplant

Update from Corey and Stan as of August 17, 2025.

Stanley has been in Pittsburgh since August 8th, and as of today (August 17th), he is still in the ICU, waiting to be moved to a regular room. Right now, his greatest struggle is that his bowels are not able to function on their own, so he is undergoing daily scans and close monitoring.

This has been an incredibly difficult time for the family. Traveling back and forth to Pittsburgh, while managing the weight of medical bills and daily expenses, has placed a heavy financial burden on them. Any support—whether through a donation or simply sharing this fundraiser—truly makes a difference and means more than words can say.

The family is so grateful for the love, prayers, and encouragement you continue to send. Corey will also keep posting updates on her personal Facebook page for those who would like to follow along.

Update from Corey and Stan as of June 18, 2025.

Dear Friends and Loved Ones,

I hope this message finds you well. It’s not easy for me to write this, but I wanted to share an update and ask for support during a very difficult time.

Right now, I’m doing everything I can to care for Stan. He’s been in the hospital, and when he’s home, he’s only able to get out of bed to eat and use the restroom. His legs are so swollen and movement is a struggle. Every week, I take him to have nearly 20 pounds of fluid drained from his stomach — it’s heartbreaking to watch.

He’s lost 87 pounds and is on a very strict diet. Despite everything, he doesn’t yet qualify for Medicare, and I’m covering the cost of several life-sustaining medications out of pocket. They’re not cheap, and the financial pressure is intense. When he’s in the hospital, I don’t get paid. I had to leave my job at the shelter last year to be home in the evenings to care for him. Our bedroom is now filled with medical supplies — it’s become his treatment space.

His shunt surgery was rescheduled for July 11th in Pittsburgh due to recent setbacks. Stan could not have his shunt surgery in May do to those setbacks for a better outcome. The doctors believe the shunt surgery could improve his quality of life, though there are risks and side effects like brain fog while his body adjusts. We’re doing everything possible to stay hopeful, but it’s a heavy emotional and financial load.

I’m taking this on mostly alone, with help from a dear friend on Wednesdays. I’ve reached out to Catholic Charities as well for any assistance.

If you’re able to help financially in any way — even just a small amount — it would make a real difference. I just need help to cover what I can’t right now. Every bit helps ease the burden.

Most of all, I ask for your understanding, your prayers, and your love. This is the hardest chapter of our lives, and we’re doing our best to get through it day by day.

Thank you for listening, and for being there.

With love and gratitude,

Corey, Stanley and Summer

Help Support Stan on His Journey to a Liver Transplant

In March 2024, Stan was diagnosed with liver disease. Since then, he has faced multiple hospitalizations and now requires weekly appointments to have fluids removed from his abdomen — a crucial step to maintaining his health.

Stan has recently been evaluated and accepted to undergo a shunt procedure, scheduled for the week of May 19th in Pittsburgh. This procedure is a critical step to reduce the need for weekly treatments and to help stabilize his condition. It will involve pre- and post-procedure hospital stays and is an important milestone toward determining his eligibility for a future liver transplant.

We are setting up this GoFundMe to help defray the many expenses associated with this journey — including travel, lodging, meals, transportation, medications, ongoing medical bills, and extensive aftercare costs.

Your support will help Stan take this important step toward becoming a transplant candidate and, ultimately, toward recovery. Every donation, no matter the amount, will directly support Stan’s path to better health.

Thank you so much for your love, support, and generosity!