Support our family in Fred's Fight Against Cirrhosis

To my friends and family,

I'm reaching out to you all on behalf of my parents, Jeannie and Fred Hopkins. My dad was diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver cirrhosis in 2019 at the young age of 58. He immediately started treatment, changed his and my mom's lifestyle and habits completely, and did everything he could to try and make sure his disease didn't get any worse. Since 2019, his health has progressively declined, including a few hospital stays, trips to Boston to meet with the liver transplant team at Mass General Hospital, and countless doctors appointments all over the state, all in the midst of the pandemic as well.

In the past 2 years, he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes as well, which has made his condition and life even more complicated than it already was. Since then, my mom has become his primary caregiver and is with him nearly 24/7 to give him all of his medicines, take him to physical therapy, and many doctor's visits every week. Last year, reluctantly, my dad's health got so bad he had to finally leave his job with the Town of Dixmont and stop working after 60+ years, which really took a toll on his mental health. My mom has recently also had to leave her job to fully be with my dad all day everyday.

Although both of them would hate to admit they are struggling or even ask for help beyond our very immediate family, I realize that things have gotten to a point where we need to reach out to our village and ask for help. While I help as much as I can from Kansas, where I relocated last year, it breaks my heart not being physically there to support and help my parents how I would like to be.

How you can help

Dad's blood type is "O", which makes the chances of getting a liver transplant off the waiting list extremely unlikely, according to his transplant team. They suggested that we put the word out and see if we know anyone who may be willing to get screened as a potential liver donor. In order to donate to Dad, a potential donor will need to have type O blood as well. You can learn more at https://www.lahey.org/lhmc/department/transplantation/live-donor-liver-transplant/donor-requirements-evaluation/ and reach out to me if you have any questions, or want to look into being a donor!

Your support, no matter the amount, will make a world of difference in my Dad's life. By donating to this GoFundMe campaign and sharing it, you can play an essential role in relieving my parent's financial burden and possibly in giving my dad many healthy years ahead by finding a living liver donor.

All financial support will go directly to my parents to help them with medical costs, bills, transportation, and all other financial costs that are building up.

Please consider donating, sharing this campaign with your friends and acquaintances, and spreading the word on social media to help us reach our goal. Even if you don't feel comfortable or are unable to monetarily support, any words of encouragement or sharing would be appreciated more than you know!

On behalf of my entire family, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity, and support during this challenging time.

With Love,

Brittany Hopkins