Our situation…

As much as we are blessed to support someone in need, we never imagined being the one requesting assistance.

My precious wife Betty was diagnosed two years ago with liver disease. Due to the incredible demand, she is miles down the list to receive a transplant from a deceased donor.

A procedure called TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) was performed to stop the collection of varicose-induced internal bleeding. The bleeding has been under control but has given her a condition called hepatic encephalopathy, which is a disorder that affects concentration, mental function, and memory, and may lead to coma.

Here is the blessing…

There is what’s called a “living transplant” where a portion of a healthy liver is taken from a donor, and a graft is done to replace the damaged portion of the liver in the recipient.

We will not reveal her name, only refer to her as “Our Angel,” but someone has stepped forward to donate a portion of their liver to assist God in saving Betty’s life. It certainly comes from God because within 3-4 weeks after the transplant, the liver in both the donor and the recipient regenerates to normal size!

This is where we need help…

We are all aware of the broken healthcare system. We have insurance and this operation is covered, including Our Angel, except for some considerable out-of-pocket and copays, which we have a decent handle on, but the Transplant Hospital in Dallas requires Betty to stay within 50 miles of the hospital for 6-8 weeks for many follow-up appointments and in the case of complications. Most of you know we live almost 3 times that distance away from Dallas.

Insurance does not cover housing, nor does it cover the needs in recovery aftercare for “Our Angel,” and heaven forbid Our Angel has any complications, our insurance does not cover it.

Housing in Dallas for that amount of time will cost $3500-$5000, and then there are living expenses and transportation for everyone involved and the unforeseen additional expenses that always arise.

I do NOT want the health of my Betty and the health of Our Angel to be hindered because of the lack of coverage from a broken healthcare system, as grateful as we are for what they do cover and the expertise of the physicians at Baylor Transplant Hospital.

This is an extremely difficult request for me. Pride can be a powerful thing, but it has to be put aside for the well-being of my family.

Please help if you can, and I know what it's like to feel “funny” about not giving to one of these GoFundMe requests, so PLEASE give only if you can and if it is truly on your heart. I suggest prayer, always, first.

Thank you!