Yvonne Nunez needs support after liver transplant

My name is Hector Velez, and I am launching this Go Fund Me drive on behalf of my sister, Yvonne Trotman-Nunez. Before I delve into the present situation, I’d like to share my sister’s journey with you. Yvonne’s symptoms first began over two decades ago. Despite seeing countless doctors and undergoing extensive medical testing she was misdiagnosed and dismissed by multiple doctors. By the time Yvonne was appropriately diagnosed with Lupus, her body had already endured tremendous damage. As a result she was prescribed a considerable cocktail of various medications including steroids to manage her symptoms. The prolonged use of these medications caused irreparable damage to her liver resulting in end-stage liver disease.

A month ago, Yvonne was admitted to the hospital and was told she would not be going home. Her condition was critical, and doctors began a battery of tests to clear her for a liver transplant in hopes that a family member could be her donor. It was determined, following thorough testing, that a partial liver donor would no longer suffice. Instead, she would need a complete liver from a deceased and compatible donor.

Yvonne also developed pneumonia during her hospital stay. My sister’s prognosis was not good. Her chance of receiving a compatible liver within this critical timeline was improbable. By the Grace of God, on 7/16, Yvonne’s doctor was notified that there was a deceased donor in Boston and the donor’s liver was a match for Yvonne! Yvonne’s surgeon flew to Boston in the middle of the night to inspect the liver and make sure that it would be the right match and size for Yvonne’s transplant. Later that day, Yvonne underwent emergency liver transplant surgery.

I am thrilled to share that Yvonne made it through the surgery well! But, she has a long recovery ahead. At best, she will be in the hospital for another 15 days. The duration of her hospital stay could extend far beyond that. Although she has insurance, a large portion of her medical bills will not be covered.

For those of you who know my sister, you know what a generous, loving and brave woman she is. For those who don’t personally know my sister, she is a warrior. She is a woman of immeasurable strength, courage and tenacity. She loves deeply and she has a generous heart. Despite suffering for decades with a multitude of symptoms and side effects from medications, she has never complained nor has she asked for help. She is far more likely to provide help than to receive it. She has fought the fight quietly and courageously. She has had the unyielding support of her husband and childhood sweetheart, Rene (Ray), and her 20 year old daughter Natalie. But, the continual hospitalizations, commutes to NYC for treatments require a lot of resources. Her husband is trying to operate his business and care for my sister. Yvonne’s daughter is trying to manage the demands of college classes and trying to cope with the uncertainty and fear of her mother’s health.

I am hoping to raise enough money so that Yvonne, Rene and Natalie don’t have one more stressor to worry about. I hope that for all that my sister has given to others, that her kindness and generosity of spirit will be reciprocated.