Support Kylie's Life-Changing Surgery

Hi, my name is Jaime and I’m Kylie’s mom. I’m setting up a GoFundMe account for Kylie in order to help cover the cost of a life-altering operation scheduled for 07/19/2024 that will take up to 12 months to recover from, but significantly improve her life.

In April 2014, Kylie was in a serious bike accident that required hospitalization where they removed 20% of her pancreas. As a result, doctors have diagnosed Kylie with Chronic Pancreatitis, which is a progressive disorder associated with the destruction of her pancreas. Pancreatitis is a sudden attack, causing severe upper abdominal pain that can last for days and extended stays in the hospital for pain control. Not only does this cause severe pain but also nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating and a fever. Treatment for Kylie has been pain medication and IV fluids, provided by the hospital.

The pancreas is responsible for producing enzymes, which help digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates before they can be absorbed in the intestine. It also produces insulin, which controls how the body uses and stores sugar, it’s main source of energy. As you can see, this little organ does a lot of important work and it’s unfortunate that her pancreas is not functioning the way it should and instead causes her great pain.

Fortunately, we live in a world where there are amazing doctors that can help. Kylie has been selected as a candidate for TPIAT (total pancreatectomy auto islet transplant) surgery. She spent a week in Minnesota for testing to evaluate if she would be a good candidate, and the answer to all our prayers came back, as YES!

TPIAT is a surgical option for people with debilitating chronic pancreatitis or recurrent acute pancreatitis. The procedure involves the removal of the pancreas (total pancreatectomy or TP). Removing the pancreas removes the inflammation and scarring causing pain in chronic pancreatitis. However, this process also removes the islet cells, cells responsible for producing insulin to regulate blood sugar. Through a highly specialized procedure called islet auto transplant ("IAT"), we isolate these islets, and infusion them back into the liver, in order to prevent or reduce the severity of post-pancreatectomy diabetes. In most cases, the islet cells are able to produce insulin in this new location, and some patients come off insulin entirely at least for some time after the procedure. She will also have her spleen, gall bladder, and appendix removed at this time, basically reconstructing her whole GI tracts system leading up to a 12-month recovery time.

TPIAT is only considered for patients who have significant pain or impaired quality of life despite other medical treatment and/or endoscopic treatments, all of which she has had.

She will acquire a lot of medical expenses and be required to stay in Minnesota for 6 weeks for recovery.

I understand that this is a great deal to take in at once, and I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all of you in advance for your contribution, continued support, and prayers as we continue to assist Kylie in regaining her quality of life.

See example of the surgery below: