*UPDATE*

Life is unpredictable. We have seen that in the world and in our own family, especially this week.

For Daniel, he completed the rigorous 3-day evaluation at Duke on Monday - Wednesday and then the doctors decided to admit him to get his swelling under control. They estimate that he had 50+lbs of fluid that has been really affecting his ability to be mobile and try to stay strong in preparation for the transplant. Since Wednesday, he has lost nearly 20 lbs of swelling in his abdomen and legs. It's crazy to see his ribs and to think there is still so much fluid in his tissues.

He was really missing the kids so I went back to Charlotte to get them and bring them for a fun little hospital visit to lift some spirits.

There are no predictions on how long this visit will last, but he does have appointments for the pulmonologist on the 18th in Durham as well as a scheduled procedure to address the cancerous tumor on the 22nd.

We will hopefully find out if he is approved to be listed at Duke within the month!

Please keep us in your prayers as we navigate the back and forth, the emotional and logistical toll that it takes in the family, and the expenses that come with so much being upside down right now.

Regardless of how difficult and unpredictable everything has been, we can't thank you enough for supporting us on this journey. Duke is incredible, God is with us, and we are right where we are supposed to be. ❤️

9/7/25 update:

From Daniel:

96 hours ago, I was unresponsive. I have no memory of that night. I woke up strapped to a hospital bed. Today, I was released from that hospital, grateful to be alive. I saw my kids for a few minutes, and now I'm headed to Duke University Hospital for three days of liver transplant evaluation, to potentially be dual listed (in Charlotte where I'm already on the waiting list and at Duke).

I have so many stories to share, people to thank, and messages to respond to. And I will, as I can. But for now, the fight continues and takes us to Duke. And I'm right where I am supposed to be. ❤️

UPDATE!

Daniel asked if I could share this message:

Thank you so much to each of you who have given! It means the world to me and my family. Knowing that people are in our corner during a battle like this gives us that extra boost to keep moving forward every day.

For those who haven’t heard, we are now only waiting on insurance approval before I can be placed on the transplant list. Then, in early September, Melinda and I will spend three days at Duke University Hospital for their evaluation process. If all goes well, I’ll be dual-listed, which expands the transplant pool and increases the odds of receiving a transplant more quickly.

I hope to share another update soon. In the meantime, please feel free to share this GoFundMe with your friends or family. The more people who see it, the more support we can receive. Once again, we deeply appreciate everything you’ve done for us!

—Daniel

Help Daniel Get the Liver Transplant He Urgently Needs

Daniel Hill was born with a rare genetic condition called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, which has silently damaged his liver over the course of his life. Recently, doctors discovered that his liver has now reached the point where a transplant is the only option.

During his transplant evaluation, the news became even more urgent — cancer was found growing in his liver. This combination means that time is critical.

Daniel is a devoted husband to Melinda and the proud father of three beautiful children. He’s a friend to many, known for his creativity, generosity, and his deep love for his family. But right now, he faces the fight of his life.

We’ve created this page to rally around the Hill family during this incredibly challenging time. While insurance covers some medical costs, a transplant brings many additional expenses — including travel to and from the hospital, lodging during treatment, specialized medications, uncovered medical procedures, and the loss of income while Daniel is unable to work.

Your donation will help cover:

Travel and lodging near the transplant center

Out-of-pocket medical costs and prescriptions

Everyday living expenses for the family while Daniel recovers

Support for Melinda as she cares for Daniel and the kids

Every gift — no matter the size — will make a real difference in helping Daniel get the care he needs and giving him the best possible chance at recovery. If you’re unable to give financially, you can still help by sharing this campaign with your friends, family, church, and community.

Daniel’s journey will be updated regularly here and on his Facebook page, so you can follow along and see how your support is making a difference.

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for helping Daniel fight for his life.

Follow along Daniel’s journey via his Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/rdanielhill