The Hobbs Family

Hi, my name is Billie, and I am fundraising for Jimmy and Kelley Hobbs, my brother and sister-in-law. No one is ever prepared to deal with life threatening medical problems, however we find ourselves in a devastating position. In April 2023, Kelley was diagnosed with end stage liver failure. She was jaundiced and in critical condition, and the doctors prepared us for the worst. They prepared the family for the real possibility that Kelley would die if she didn’t respond to medical treatment. She needed to be stabilized and be evaluated for liver transplant. By the grace of God, she did respond well and was discharged home after a week in the hospital. At home, caring for Kelley was challenging because unfortunately, medication costs and home care resources have been sparse. She was sent home with a colossal list of medications and follow-up appointments. The doctors could give no concrete answers for her prognosis. The referral process was started to have Kelley evaluated by UT for possible Liver transplant. With liver failure of this magnitude, multiple hospitalizations are common. So, on May 17, 2023, she was again admitted to Memorial Hermann Sugar Land with confusion, shortness of breath, blood clots in her liver and kidneys. She was confused due to massive electrolyte imbalance and was admitted to the ICU. She responded to treatment and had a liver biopsy to confirm end stage liver failure. Multiple complications of liver failure occurred, but the doctors were able to stabilize her and send her home. Once home, due to insurance issues, home health care was not an option. There have been multiple trips to the hospital for paracentesis (draining abdominal fluid), and EGD and colonoscopy to evaluate complications of liver failure. All these procedures cost money, and the bills have added up. On June 18, 2023, Kelley started running a fever, shortness of breath, and was very fatigued. They went back to the ER at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, and she was admitted to the ICU again. She was given multiple antibiotics, medications to help keep her blood pressure up and to control bleeding. They have spent multiple days in the hospital now, trying to stabilize her condition. She needed a thoracentesis (drain the fluid of her lung) and blood transfusion. Today, June 30, 2023, Kelley was transferred to Memorial Hermann Medical Center to evaluate her for a liver transplant. Jimmy’s boss is very understanding, allowing him to work when he can, but infrequent time at work has not helped their financial situation. Fortunately their son, Justin, is working full time and has been able to help keep their home running. Kelley qualifies for retirement with TRS, however the process is slow to get her benefits and medical insurance transferred over. Due to lapse processing, they are facing paying for Cobra until Kelley’s retirement comes through. Through it all, God has been there to lean on and give them hope. But, medical costs, Cobra premiums, and parking costs are all mounting. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, donate and share their story to others. God has given them strength to persevere.