Transplant - Michelle Christensen

Michelle Christensen, a loving wife to Doug for 34 years; mother to three (Kelli Avant, Bryan Christensen and Katie Christensen); and grandmother to six (Jaimie, Bailey, Ellen, Brianna, Bryclin and Tristen), and a good friend to many, was diagnosed with liver disease in December 2016.  Over time, continued problems led to Michelle’s liver being severely damaged and is not working well enough to keep her alive.  A liver transplant is necessary when the liver functions are damaged beyond the body’s capacity to regenerate.  Michelle’s liver has reached that point.  She is in need of a liver transplant as soon as possible. 

Michelle is an active member in her Kempner, Texas community, where she has lived for over 30 years, If you know Michelle, you know that she is a fun loving, hard working woman who is adored by everyone.   Her spirit attracts people and she is will go above and beyond to help others.  She would do absolutely anything for anyone; she is always helping those in need.    Now she needs our help! 

Michelles husband, Doug, writes: "Michelle has come so far with this starting with a quadruple bypass, then a portal vein clot, then cirrhosis, then gall bladder removal, then 20 plus weekly abdominal drains, 5 endoscopys to band varicies. Now entering into the waiting list for a liver donor with all of the many variables to make it a success. Any donation is appreciated".

Michelle’s daughter, Kelli writes:  “I look at this beautiful mother of mine and my heart aches. While she still holds all these qualities, I see deeper what her poor health has robbed from her. I see it in her eyes. I see her pain, her sadness and it hurts me. The surgery that was supposed to fix her heart stole her health and every day is a struggle. Now we are throwing around (liver) transplant words. How did we get here? How did we draw the short straw? Whatever the future holds, Michelle Christensen, we are by your side. I love you.”

Organs are given to patients on the wait list who are in greatest need.  This is based on the severity of their illness and on their MELD score (Model for End-stage Liver Disease).  MELD score ranges from 6 to 40 and indicates how urgently a patient needs a liver transplant.  A patient who is very ill usually has a high MELD score.  A patient who is not very ill has a low MELD score.  Michelle’s transplant surgeon told her she is very ill and definitely has to have a transplant.  She is more and more tired every day.  She is retaining a large amount of fluid in her abdomen, anywhere from 6 to 9 liters has to be drained weekly.  Michelle is no longer able to participate in her normal daily activities or enjoy her life.  A transplant will greatly improve her quality of life and, hopefully, allow her to live a longer, healthier, more normal life with her family and friends!   

We are reaching out to you as a means of financial assistance, as insurance will only cover a limited amount of the transplant and recovery cost.  Michelle will need to make many trips to San Antonio, TX prior to the transplant and, following the transplant, she will need to live there for at least 3 months for multiple weekly appointments and care.  Transplant patients require anti-rejection drugs, which are very expensive, for the rest of their lives.

A Milliman Research Report, “US Organ and Tissue Transplant Cost Estimates and Discussion”, dated August 2017, reflect that a liver transplant is estimated to cost over $812,000.  That number is what the insurance paid, not the actual amounts billed, and doesn’t include follow-up care or living expenses.  For that reason, we are setting this fund-raiser at a high amount.  We hope you can help Michelle and her family by donating, even a small amount.  Every little bit will help and will be greatly appreciated.  If you are unable to donate, can you please share within your circle of friends?

Thank you for your help and your prayers!!!!