Dear Friends and Family,

My name is Michelle Metz. I am family (cousin) to Geoff and Jennifer Yanez. I am reaching out to ask for your support for our beloved Jennifer, who has bravely battled autoimmune hepatitis of the liver for the past 15 years. Her journey has been long, painful, and marked by countless medical complications—but also by unwavering strength, resilience, and hope.

Jennifer’s diagnosis led to the development of liver cirrhosis, and over the years she has endured numerous procedures, including regular paracentesis to remove excess abdominal fluid and treatment for esophageal varices, a serious complication of portal hypertension. Most recently, doctors discovered she had a heart arrhythmia, which required a cardiac ablation—just one more obstacle on her way to becoming eligible for a life-saving liver transplant.

In May 2024, Jennifer began the complex transplant evaluation process. After dozens of tests and appointments, she was finally preparing to be listed. But in June 2025, after a long, tense wait, she received heartbreaking news: she was not a candidate for a partial transplant due to two blood clots. Emotionally devastated, she began to process what this meant—until another call came.

It turns out, Jennifer is a candidate for a full liver transplant. And just days later, on Sunday, June 13th, she got the call we’d all been hoping and praying for: a suitable liver was available. By the next morning, Jennifer and her husband Geoff rushed to Anschutz Medical Campus—one of the top transplant centers in the country—where she underwent surgery under the care of their chief transplant surgeon. We are overjoyed to share that the surgery was successful, and Jennifer is recovering well.

But recovery is just the beginning of a new chapter.

Jennifer will be unable to work for at least six months and will require daily medications, frequent lab testing, transportation to medical appointments, and specialized nutrition to help her body heal and accept her new liver. The out-of-pocket costs are significant—even with insurance.

We are asking for your help to relieve the financial burden so that Jennifer and Geoff can focus entirely on her healing—not bills. Every donation, big or small, will go directly toward:

• Medical bills: Post-operative care, monitoring, and treatments not covered by insurance

• Anti-rejection medications: Lifelong prescriptions that are costly and critical

• Transportation: Frequent travel to and from medical appointments and labs

• Basic living expenses: Covering the mortgage, groceries, and utilities while Jen is out of work

• Dietary needs: Special foods and supplements to support her recovery

Your support means more than just financial relief—it means comfort, stability, and hope for Jennifer during this life-changing time. If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing this campaign and keeping Jennifer in your thoughts and prayers.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of Jennifer’s journey. We are endlessly grateful for your love and support.

With love and gratitude,

Michelle Metz, on behalf of Jennifer Yanez