Sterling Deeb’s Liver Transplant!!!

In case you don’t know me, I am Allison Eaton Liwosz. About a year ago, my longtime friend and father of two boys, Sterling was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. The cause was unknown for quite some time. We knew it was not from alcohol or any over the counter medication. Turns out it is hereditary from his great grandmother on his Dad’s side. His great grandmother never drank a drop in her life, but eventually passed away from cirrhosis. Nothing could be done back then but, fortunately for Sterling, he can get a liver transplant.  He has a donor, ME! As he gets closer to the liver transplant, he is consumed with stress as he is the bread winner for his family and will of course be out of work for several months to heal from this major surgery.  I set up this gofundme campaign in the hopes to raise money for him and his family as they go through this difficult time, so that his energy and resources can be spent on his recovery. 


Here is more of the story in his words:


I have the best support anyone could want from my former wife Tara, my sons  Conor and Sterling, my Mom, my Dad and Patrick (my oldest brother). Really the list goes on and on, my step mother, Donna, and my half brothers, Nick and Chris to name a few. My great friend Allison Eaton Liwosz has generously offered to donate part of her liver to me. There is no way I could ever thank her for such a gesture, but needless to say, I love her dearly .


There is but one problem. I am the bread winner in our home and when I have the surgery I will be out for up to three months. During that time I will only get 60% of my salary and no commissions. That won’t even cover our rent. We will be moving in late May to a new home, which could very well be during my recovery. This has been a very stressful time, and I have been getting sicker as the illness progresses and have already started missing a lot of work. Although I am covered by FMLA, I have used all of my vacation/sick time so I do not get paid when I miss work. The bills are starting to build up as is the stress.


As you can imagine, the cost of the surgery and other expenses are overwhelming. Other sources of income are very small so I am asking for donations for up to $9000. That will cover my insurance deductible and the cost of food, rent and bills for three months while I recover. Tara has been amazing looking after me but we are very realistic as stress effects her MS in an extreme way, therefore I may have to hire a live in nurse for 24/7 care. I honestly don’t know but that cost can range from $35-$95 per hour. It’s seriously stressful and worrisome to even think about, but being realistic is necessary. Should this happen it could cost a minimum of just under $6k a week. That’s at cost of $35 hourly and although could be nurse Cratchet I couldnt bring myself to do the math for $95 hourly. My Mom is not getting around as she used to and so cannot help out like she would want to. The deductible toward the insurance is $3500. I have to get to and from the hospital twice a week for the first 3 months for blood work to make sure my body is not rejecting the new liver. One way is 40 minutes. Most of those will have to be Uber. Round trip will be around $40. 


I have faith that we can raise this amount through my family, friends and even the generosity of friends of friends that I may not even know.


I had to swallow my pride and ask for help because I want to be around for my children’s college, marriages, children of their own and a few rounds of golf when I retire some day. After all, I am only 47 and have a lot of living to do!


I thank you all in advance for whatever you can give. My very best to you all. Have a fantastic 2018 and beyond!

-Sterling