This fundraiser is being held to help

whomever is chosen to be Steve's

live liver donor.  With the need to be away from work for approximately 3 months, not everyone has access to short term disability to help cover everyday expenses, never mind any uncovered medical expenses.

The transplant process is long, usually lasting around 180 days from pre-transplant testing to organ procurement to discharge. Within that time patients will receive a number of bills, and may not have sufficient benefit coverage.  

Medical expenses to consider:​​

• Pre-transplant testing

• Health care team fees

• Surgery Insurance

• Co-pays and deductibles

• Postoperative care and rehabilitation

• Prescriptions

• Follow up testing and care

• Transportation to and from transplant center

Steves Story

Early June 2024 I noticed that I had bloating in my stomach

that seemed to be increasing slowly. I pushed it aside as I didn't think anything of if. I then started having intense diarrhea that was consistent for over a week so I decided to make an appointment with my GP for an exam. During the exam my GP noticed my extended abdomen and informed me that there was a fluid build up. He also believed that there was a blockage in the bowels so he scheduled an Xray to dive deeper. When my GP got the results back he called us immediately and sent me to the emergency department. Multiple x-rays were done, there seemed to be no blockage but I was informed that internal medicine needed to see me immediately. I then spoke with a doctor from internal medicine who informed me that they believe I have cirrhosis of the liver which is causing the ascites (the fluid build up). During my appointment the next morning they discussed draining the fluid in the abdomen but I decided against it as I was scared and had a lack of knowledge about the procedure. The doctors ended up starting me on diuretics to flush the fluid and I had to start a low sodium lifestyle of 2000mg daily max. Later on that month I was unable to void (urinate) and was rushed to the ER to have 900ml of urine drained from my bladder. I then needed a foley catheter inserted. My inability to void was found to be due to an enlarged prostate but because of my ongoing condition, any treatment for my prostate is on hold until my current diagnosis is under control. My life felt like everything was falling apart. In August I had my first appointment with my liver specialist who confirmed the diagnosis of End Stage Liver Cirrhosis. A few months went by and I was rushed to the emergency department again, but this time I had a fever of 39.9, was jaundice, weak and vomiting blood. I was sent off to have bands in my esophagus tied off due to a GI bleed. I ended up having to have my first paracentesis (fluid drainage) which they drained 5L. Thankfully after a few days in hospital I was able to return home. A few months went by and I had my follow up appointment with the internal medicine doctors. They told me that the diuretics aren't able to keep up with the fluid accumulation in my abdomen. I then started a scheduled routine paracentesis with albumin infision. An average of 8L is drained every 2 weeks. April I returned to the hospital with hepatic encephalopathy (confusion) thinking it was 1954, along with tremors. I was given medication to help with the confusion and after a few days I was cleared to go home. My GP called me not long after letting me know that he has sent off a referral for me to get a liver transplant. I have gone through some intense medical testing and am finally eligible for transplant. I've been advised that the only possible way for me to get a transplant is through a live liver donation, therefore; if I do not find a living match, I will be removed from the transplant list.​