Dear BillGOans,

Alexis Hood, Team Lead on Biller Solutions, is undergoing a very high risk and rare procedure next week, which will require her to be in transiton housing in Minneapolis for two months. Per Alexis, this is a "last ditch effort" surgery. Her husband will be with her in Minneapolis and her kids will fly out for Christmas to visit their mom. None of the costs for housing and airfare are covered by insurance. BillGOans, I am sure Alexis and her family would appreciate any support you can spare. She is an amazing and brave woman and we all wish her well!

A note from Alexis on her experience:

For the past few years I have dealing with severe pancreatitis. After tons of research, several long stays in the hospital, severe debilitating pain, doctor after doctor and fighting to find a reason, I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis of Pancreas, PRSS1 and Pancreas Divisium. I have been lucky enough to find a team of wonderful doctors that as a last resort, have recommended my upcoming procedure. The procedure is called a TPAIT or Total pancreatectomy with Auto Islet Transplant. This is a rare procedure that removes my pancreas and surrounding organs. They will remove my islets from my pancreas and transplant them back into my liver through my portal vein, with the hope that my liver will then take over and act as my pancreas. In addition to this, and due to my rare circumstances, they have asked me to be part of an even less common study where they create what is called an omental sack. So they will introduce my islets not only to my liver, but by creating an additional organ for lack of better term.

Although the recovery will be long and painful, I know it will be well worth it all. I am looking forward to getting my life back and getting back to my family here at BillGO as soon as possible!