Support Matt's Second Chance: Liver Transplant Journey

Second chances in life aren't necessarily uncommon. However, second chances at life are incredibly rare events. On the evening of November 25th, I did not feel that my husband would have that second chance at life. The doctors who were providing his care told me numerous times to prepare myself for the worst that he would not survive. I was scared and devastated, but trying to put on a brave face for both of us.

Matthew was care-flighted to Medical City Hospital-Dallas on November 25th due to liver failure. His future seemed bleak. A lot of life unlived, hopes, dreams, and prayers seemed to wither before my eyes as his liver and kidneys failed. The number of toxins in his blood climbed while our hope disappeared.

But God.

Our God is one of hope, filling us with joy and peace. Our family, friends, and people we have never met rallied. They became a lifeline, the ones who stood in the gap for us. The one in whom we put our trust, our God of love and mercy, moved our mountains. After a month in the hospital, on the evening of December 25th, we received the call that would be our Christmas miracle, and on December 26th Matt received a new liver after a successful transplant surgery.

Matt’s race is not yet run, nor is this fight over. But we abound in hope, because he has received that second chance. It is now, in this time that I am prayerfully reaching out for your assistance.

Because of hope.

Matt will now have to take anti-rejection medications for the rest of his life to protect his chance. When he is finally strong enough to be released from the hospital, we will have to relocate for at least two to three months to Dallas, 2 hours from where we currently live, away from our family support structure. Matt is unable to work while recovering, and my salary alone will not support the food, lodging, gas (new 2 hr. commute to work), medical expenses, and medication that will be necessary with his twice a week hospital visits and continued care. This will be combined with everyday cost of living, our normal monthly bills and a truck payment. Any funds raised will be used to enable us to ensure his care is received, that his second chance is protected.

Because of hope, he has a chance.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

- Romans 15:13 (ESV)