Stand by Sierra: A Road to Health and Healing

Hi, my name is Sierra (cue the song I know is playing in your head right now lol )

I shared my liver transplant journey back in March of 2020, which I needed due to my diagnosis of PSC (primary sclerosing cholangitis). I had my transplant at UPMC in Pittsburgh March of 2020. After my transplant, I was accepted into Jacksonville University’s OTD program and graduated with my doctorate of occupational therapy just this past April 2024.

My graduation present to myself was a once in a lifetime trip to visit my bestie in Hawaii and it was the best week of my life! As I arrived home, my plan was to now focus and study for my board exams. While studying this summer, I unfortunately had a hard time focusing due to unforeseen circumstances that caused me some severe emotion distress… and I did not my pass my boards on my first time. After taking some time for myself, I pick back studying and had my exam rescheduled for 11/16! But I had to cancel because I was in the hospital. I wanted to reschedule in December, but after the year I have had… seems like 2025 might be might year! lol.

SooOOooo, after 4 years of a healthy functioning transplanted liver, I have had a severe decline in health for a few months and most recently spent the last 3 1/2 weeks hospitalized. I have elevated bilirubin numbers along with other liver enzymes; every procedure, blood test, scan, and my the cause of these symptoms and what exactly is going on with my liver is a mystery still!

Since getting home and ending care at Mayo, I am now searching for a transplant center to get continued care and follow-up with a new liver transplant team. I live in Jacksonville, FL and *probably* will have to travel about any where from 1.5-3 hours one way.

My $10,000 goal is a financial estimate of what would help during this time. Thank you for the love & support!

God is always good & prayer is powerful!