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Tyler Malbaurn Kidney Transplant

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On June 17, 1988, my son, Tyler, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.  Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary disorder affecting the exocrine glands.  It causes the production of abnormally thick mucus, leading to the blockage of the pancreatic ducts, intestines, and bronchi, and often results in respiratory infections and limits the ability to breathe.  Tyler has struggled his entire life with CF and related complications.  We watched his older sister, Sara, fight the same battle, which she ultimately lost in July of 2001. 

Tyler spent the majority of 2011 to 2012 on oxygen and was given only four months to live.  Unlike his sister, Tyler was fortunate enough to receive a double lung transplant on June 23, 2012.  For the first time, Tyler felt like a normal young man. Tyler was able to enroll in college and hold down a job.  Prior to that, he had been unable to start and build a career due to his illness, hospitalizations, and treatments.

When all seemed to be going well in Tyler’s world, the unthinkable happened: His body started to show signs that he was rejecting the transplant.  Tyler was given immense amounts of medication to counteract the rejection and the medications caused his kidneys to shut down.  Tyler has been on dialysis since 2014, which has taken a horrific toll on his young body.   

In April 2018, a distant cousin contacted Tyler and completed her application to be a living donor.  Beth is an educator and a mother of three brilliant kids.  She completed her donor/kidney evaluations in June 2018, and... She’s a match!  This is Beth.  NEWS:  Tyler and Beth’s transplant surgery will happen on Friday, July 27!
 

Due to the severity of Tyler’s condition, he must be treated at University of Pennsylvania Medical Center in Pittsburgh, PA.  We have started this campaign to assist with the following:
 
* Pre-transplant evaluations and testing
* Extensive dental work (required for cardiac clearance)
* The transplant surgery itself (including fees for surgeons, operating, anesthesia)
* Time spent in the ICU 
* Post-Op physical therapy and rehab
* Anti-rejection medications (mandatory for the rest of Tyler's life and totaling up to $6100/month)
* Supplemental Insurance - Medicare Part A & B, to cover hospital costs and medications
* Lost wages for Tyler (out of work indefinitely) and his mom (out of work up to 3 months)
* Numerous (3/wk in the first month alone) post-op doctors visits and ongoing treatment

Transplantliving.org has estimated the total cost per person for a kidney transplant can add up to $262,900!
 
Asking friends and family to donate money is something that is very difficult for us. But at this time, we have run out of options.  Please help us get Tyler the best outcomes and care possible.  The transplant process is long, complicated, and costly with escalating physician visits and labs leading up to the transplant and the overwhelming care after the transplant.  Your donation of any amount can help diminish the weight of financial burdens and help Tyler focus on a healthy recovery and extended life. You can make a big difference with a large or small donation.  Our family thanks you for your love and support.

Organizer and beneficiary

Liz Lavallee
Organizer
Killingly Center, CT
Tyler Malbaurn
Beneficiary

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