Help The Happe Family During Liver Transplant Journey

My name is Lisa and I'm raising money for my brother-in-law, Veteran Marine Robert Happe. In 2019 he was diagnosed with a rare liver condition, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), as well as Auto Immune Hepatitis, and Portal Hypertension- which causes severe and unpredictable internal bleeding. He was also recently diagnosed with Cholecystitis. While progression for some individuals is slow, PSC is an unpredictable disease. Robert has faced several complications over the last five years each one more increasingly serious than the previous- convincing doctors that a liver transplant may be his only option.

Over the last few months, Robert has spent three times as many days in the hospital than he has out of it; making it no longer possible for him to work steadily. Because this disease is so uncommon, most doctors don't know how to treat it. Therefore each time he is hospitalized, he is transported to a specialist hospital almost two hours away.

Robert is an amazing husband and father but the seriousness of his condition prevents the hospital from allowing visitors under seven years old- meaning his children have gone several days at a time without seeing him. The inability to see his children makes the visits with his wife, Anna, all the more impactful. Nearby housing options are expensive, but the daily four-hour drives have forced her and the children to temporarily relocate to be closer to Robert. Because of the constant trips to the hospital and now the relocation, she also has been unable to maintain a steady income.

While the VA has covered many of his hospital bills, everyday expenses are adding up. Food, utilities, rent, and even the gas Anna needs to visit Robert is becoming a cost they can no longer afford. At this point, there is no end date as to when he will be released; or how soon after he will be readmitted.

Robert is funny and kind- always there to lend a helping hand, whether it's to a family member or someone on the side of the road. Your donation will help to keep Robert's family afloat during this very difficult time and ease his mind greatly as he heals.