Druyor Family Liver Transplant Journey

In the fall of 2021, Val was diagnosed with stage 4/end stage liver disease. She is getting excellent care by the transplant team at Johns Hopkins. Her symptoms have improved very much in recent months with the proper medications and ongoing procedures. She is home now with her family after about 2 months hospitalization. We are hoping to keep it that way for as long as possible.

The doctors say there is no need for further testing as her disease has already progressed enough to deem it life-threatening. A transplant is undoubtedly on the horizon. She has already been granted a spot on the national wait list for a new liver. Since her numbers have improved and she is currently stable, it is not urgent for her to have this major surgery. The wait is expected to be about 1 1/2 to 2 years for a cadaver liver unless her condition worsens and it needs to be rushed and performed sooner. This could happen any day. Val's cousin Alexis is currently undergoing a long list of testing to determine if she can be a living donor. We are very hopeful this will happen so that we can schedule and plan for it ahead of time. This is her best chance at survival. It will allow her to have a smoother surgery and recovery if she is in the best health possible.

Any donations received will be used directly for related expenses that are not covered by insurance. Hopefully if Alexis is able to give part of her liver, she will need to take off work for at least a month. If she is able to give this amazing gift of life to Val, we certainly don't want her worrying about any financial hardship. Dorell will also need to miss time at work to be with Val. Travel expenses (gas, parking, etc.) will be adding up quickly as well. Also, Val has thousands of dollars in dental work that is an out-of-pocket expense. Ideally, this needs to be done before the transplant surgery. Since dental work can often lead to infection, it's safer to have that completed beforehand.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please keep Val, Alexis, Dorell, Deacon, Delia & Declan in your prayers. If you are able to contribute, anything would help and be greatly appreciated.

Update as of April 26, 2022:
Alexis is now officially approved to be the living donor! This is incredible news. The surgeries are now tentatively scheduled for June 7th. There are several more important appointments and procedures necessary to finalize things. Dental costs have now risen as Val has gone to more appointments. The side effects from medications along with the liver disease have taken a huge toll on her teeth. We hope that at least some of them can be saved.

To our family, Alexis is truly an angel here on earth. She is certainly proof that not all heroes wear capes! Because of her selfless decision to go through all of this, Val will have the best chance for a successful surgery and recovery. The benefits of having a living donor are very significant. With this wonderful blessing comes the ability to perform the transplant while Val is as strong as possible. 

Thank you for reading and coming along on this crazy ride. Words cannot express how appreciative and grateful we are for your support. So many of you have shown such kindness that will never be forgotten. Your love, kind words, prayer, positive vibes, donations, messages and overall help means so very much to us!