Support Andrea's Fight Against Liver Failure

Andrea and I met at an event two summers ago on Oak Street Beach in Chicago. Ever since that moment we've kept in touch here and there. Until recently, we both didn't know much about each other, and it's simply been a connection of like-mindedness, sharing similar passions in life. Inspiring others, helping the community, traveling, music, adventure, the list goes on...

Since we've only crossed paths few times over the years, we recently laughed at how little we actually know about each other. At the time I knew that she refrained from alcohol due to an underlying condition, but that was about it. At any moment of interaction with Andrea, you'd never expect such a positive spirit and incredible outlook on life... paired with such a serious history of medical curve balls, mainly end stage liver disease, she's been experiencing since age 15.

In June 2024 she was hospitalized, and rather severely. The past two decades of conditions snowballed drastically into what is now decompensated end stage liver failure, which also waterfalled into additional symptoms/conditions. After being hospitalized for several weeks and under medical review, she successfully powered through a very high-risk TIPS procedure, which thankfully bought a little bit time.

Andrea and I are the same age, 37, and for over two decades she's still fighting with grace, which is a miracle. She's a single mother of two, currently unable to work, and barely hanging on with day-to-day activities, usually on her own. With end stage liver failure, Andrea desperately needs a transplant but is currently unqualified due to ineffective and limited medical treatment options to date.

The collected funds are going directly toward a pending stem cell procedure, which has been known to show success of suppressing or treating certain autoimmune conditions. Addressing/suppressing the underlying autoimmune disease would allow Andrea to become a candidate for a liver transplant.

You guess it, this type of procedure isn't isn't covered by insurance. The out-of-pocket expense, including travel, is forecasted up to $50,000. We are setting a time stamp of 2 months to accomplish this goal. Whether it's a small or large donation, any support you are able to provide goes directly toward saving the life of, what I now consider, a great friend. Thank you.