Our Journey Through End-Stage Liver Disease: Seeking Help for a Life-Saving Transplant

In January, the journey began with my brother’s wife, Jennifer Dorsch having a sense of unease—nausea, weakness, and a constant state of fatigue. At first, we hoped it was just a passing illness, but by February, it was clear something more serious was at play. A noticeable bulge on the left side led to a visit to the walk-in clinic. The doctors discovered elevated bilirubin levels and referred us to a GI specialist. Thus began a series of tests—blood work, CT scans, and MRIs—each more worrying than the last.

By March, things took a turn for the worse. An EGD procedure revealed esophageal varices, which had to be treated immediately. Seven bands were placed on the varices, making it incredibly difficult to eat or sleep due to the discomfort. The situation became dire, and we were referred to the specialists at UNC.

April brought more challenges. Fluid buildup in her abdomen was causing her stomach to stretch painfully, like a full-term pregnancy. Breathing, eating, and sleeping became nearly impossible. Nearly 5 liters of fluid had to be drained in one procedure, followed by another EGD where four more bands were placed on the varices.

In May, the fluid buildup worsened. Over 7 liters were removed, but the relief was temporary. The situation was becoming critical.

June marked a turning point. A consultation with the liver specialists at UNC confirmed our worst fears—end-stage liver disease. Despite extensive testing, the exact cause remained undetermined, a rare and perplexing situation. The only hope was a liver transplant. Without it, the future looked bleak. Another ER visit confirmed the gravity of the situation with an ultrasound, another EGD, and a colonoscopy to stop potential bleeding in the esophagus.

By July, we began the rigorous evaluation process for a transplant, knowing time was of the essence. The symptoms have been devastating—40 pounds of weight loss, daily nausea, overwhelming fatigue, intense itching, confusion, jaundice, and constant fluid buildup in the stomach.

We are now urgently seeking a living donor with an O blood type. A living donor is crucial as it would allow the transplant to happen before Jen becomes too weak or sick to undergo the surgery. The cost of the surgery, even after insurance, is staggering—between $150,000 and $175,000. The surgery, with its high success rates, offers a real chance at life, but the journey is far from easy. The procedure involves removing half of a living donor's liver or the entire liver from a cadaver and replacing her liver. Recovery will be long and difficult—a 10-14 day hospital stay with a breathing tube, feeding tube, and large IVs, followed by months of rehabilitation and weekly medical evaluations.

Post-surgery, Jen will need life-long medication, costing several thousand dollars a month, to keep her new liver functioning. It will take up to a year before she can return to full function. During this time, her husband (my brother) who may either be the living donor or her primary caregiver, will be out of work. After four weeks, his leave will be unpaid, putting further strain on their finances.

We are reaching out for your help. Any contribution you can make will go directly toward covering medical bills, household expenses while we are out of work, vital medications, and travel expenses as we make frequent trips to the hospital, three hours away. Your support could mean the difference between life and death, and we are deeply grateful for any assistance you can provide.

Thank you for being a part of our journey and helping us through this incredibly challenging time.