Transplant for Elizabeth Hochberg
Donation protected
Our goal is to promote awareness of Type 1 Diabetes and Kidney Failure while raising funds for the medical bills and expenses of Elizabeth Hochberg as she trudges the road to kidney and pancreas transplant. Elizabeth was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes 19 years ago, and has had a difficult time managing her illness. About 2 years ago, she began showing signs of kidney failure, a common complication of Type 1 Diabetes. She is currently in Stage 5 Renal Failure, requiring hemodialysis 3 times/week. She has endured multiple hospitalizations, surgical procedures, and side-effects from the many medications that she must take to keep her alive until she can get her transplant. Her employer decided that they could no longer accommodate her dialysis schedule, so she was placed on medical leave. With no means to support herself, you can imagine it only makes a tough situation worse. The most recent development is that she can barely walk. She has to use a walker for short distances, and a wheelchair is needed for anything longer. Despite all of her troubles, she maintains a positive attitude and outlook with the help of her incredible network of friends. If you have been one of her supporters, we thank you. If you are unable to contribute, we would appreciate your sharing this with your friends.
Update Sept. 2018:In late August, she was diagnosed with peripheral artery disease and had angioplasty to restore blood-flow to her right foot.While recovering from that procedure, on 9/12 she slipped and fell, fracturing her sacrum (tailbone).She endured several days of horrible pain before they were able to discover the fractures.Two screws were installed through the bone to stabilize the sacrum and alleviate some of the pain.She is currently (9/30/18) recovering in a skilled care facility where she gets some physical therapy 6 days a week.Just sitting up on her own was an accomplishment, earlier this week. Today she was able to get into a wheelchair and go outside for a little while.It's nice to see some progress after so much difficulty.
UPDATE 12/2/2020:
It happened! It finally happened!!
It has been 2 years since an update. Elizabeth has done well through the many challenges she has faced, including being wheelchair bound for 6 months, dialysis 3 times/week, multiple bone fractures, being turned down for transplant by 3 hospitals, and 2 failed transplant calls.
She has worked hard to improve her health through a healthy diet and exercise, and following her Doctor(s) instructions.
On Thanksgiving 2020 Elizabeth received her miraculous gift of a kidney and a pancreas.
She is doing well, and the organs are functioning properly.
What we are now faced with, is a number of expenses that are beyond our means.
We are over 500 miles from home, and must stay here for at least a month, maybe longer, which means we'll need shelter, food, and some clothes.
Her medical expenses are currently covered by insurance.
The apartment I found is small, but adequate, and close to the hospital.
Any assistance you can provide is greatly appreciated, and will go solely towards the expenses incurred in getting Elizabeth's new life started.
Any additional funds will be contributed to another family, like us, who are facing the challenge of out-of-town medical care (transplant).
Organizer and beneficiary
Craig Shinabargar
Organizer
Lemay, MO
Elizabeth Hochberg
Beneficiary
