Dear Family, Friends, and Community Members,

My name is Candice Herrera, and I’m reaching out to you on behalf of my best friend, Kayla Scott, and my precious niece, Sterling Carpenter.

Sterling is just 16 years old. At the age of 7, she was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and portal hypertension after a sudden illness led to unexpected scans. What started as a simple fever and UTI turned into a life-altering revelation, and since then, Sterling has faced challenges far beyond what any child should endure.

She has experienced countless hospital stays, undergone procedures to address internal bleeding, and has lost much of her childhood due to her illness. Since COVID, she has been homeschooled due to her weakened immune system, and recently, she suffered a significant setback. Her ammonia levels spiked, rendering her unresponsive, and she had to be airlifted to another hospital. She was intubated and in critical condition, and we came frighteningly close to losing her.

Now, a liver transplant is her only hope for survival.

On July 29th, Sterling was admitted again to the hospital due to inflammation. Upon admittance, Sterling’s ammonia levels were at 31—just at the upper limit of the normal range. However, this morning (August 3rd), she woke up feeling confused and foggy. She is struggling to read and comprehend texts, misplacing things she just set down, and is utterly exhausted.

Today’s lab results revealed that her ammonia levels have risen to 67. Unlike the situation we faced in June, Sterling is fully aware of what’s happening this time, which makes it even more difficult. She can sense her confusion, and she’s scared. It’s heartbreaking to watch her break down while fully understanding her circumstances.

Her doctors have started her on medication to help lower her ammonia levels. We’re holding onto hope, but it’s incredibly painful to witness her suffering.

To add to the challenges, Kayla recently lost her job during one of Sterling’s longer hospital stays. She has become Sterling’s full-time caregiver and has applied for assistance but has not yet received approval. As a result, she is struggling to manage basic expenses like rent, food, and transportation to the hospital. We organized a benefit for Kayla and Sterling on July 27th, raising nearly $6,000! While this support has been invaluable and we are deeply thankful, most of the funds have gone towards hospital expenses and are quickly running out.

If you are in a position to donate, we would greatly appreciate it. Kayla should be able to focus on her daughter without the added stress of financial burdens at this time. Thank you for your support.