I am sponsoring this fundraiser on behalf of my brother, Marti, who is suffering from the effects of end-stage liver failure. His ordeal began in 2017, when bloodwork showed abnormal liver function. Further testing would eventually lead to a diagnosis of liver cancer and reveal  that the liver was significantly damaged. Thankfully, Marti’s liver cancer has been treated successfully! But, his liver function has continued to worsen. His only hope for long-term survival is a liver transplant. Unfortunately, at this time, he has not yet met the very strict criteria for a transplant. So, for now, he endures weekly paracentesis, a procedure which drains ascites (fluid) from his abdominal cavity. He is often nauseated and always  fatigued. He is losing muscle mass but gaining weight from the large amount of fluid that builds up in his belly and legs as a result of his failing liver. Marti has had several procedures to treat esophageal varices (enlarged blood vessels in his esophagus and stomach) which, if left untreated, could burst, resulting in life-threatening bleeding. The list of physical symptoms my brother endures as a result of this brutal disease is too many to document here. Needless to say, Marti’s quality of life worsens as each week passes.

Due to his worsening health, it’s become impossible for Marti to work. This loss of income is devastating for he and his wife, Jodie, who is now the sole earner and primary caregiver. Marti has qualified for Social Security disability but he will not begin receiving benefits until mid-January 2020!

 Adding to the couple’s financial and emotional distress, Marti will be losing his employer provided insurance. He found out today that he is NOT eligible for Medicare. I do not exaggerate when I say that the loss of his health insurance will be life-threatening to Marti. As anyone who’s experienced a serious illness will tell you, health insurance, or lack thereof, means the difference between financial stability and financial ruin. It will also put into jeopardy Marti’s access to the healthcare he so desperately requires. 

My fervent hope is that this fundraiser will raise money to help provide much needed financial assistance to Marti & Jodie. The emotional toll relating to this terrible disease has been overwhelming. I believe that by relieving some of the crushing financial issues they face, the couple will be able to breath a little easier.

The most urgent need is to secure health insurance for Marti. This will be the main priority. For those of you who read this request and are moved to make a donation to my brother and Jodie, know that your generosity and compassion would mean so very much to our family! Marti’s mother, sisters, nieces, nephew, granddaughters and so many others who love him will be forever grateful! For those unable to provide financial assistance, prayers and well wishes for my brother and sister-in-law would be greatly appreciated! 
 
Thank you for your consideration!