In Support of Mark, Jess (Davies) & Caden Clifford

This fundraiser is being established in support of long-standing and deeply loved community members of the Wood River Valley: Ketchum born and long-time resident, Jessica Davies Clifford, her husband Mark Clifford, and their son, Caden (Wood River HS graduate 2023) who are faced with a life-altering medical situation taking them from their home in Idaho to Virginia for possibly well over a year. 

After returning home from a trip on March 15, and not feeling 100%, Mark (54) was taken to St. Luke’s ER in Ketchum. Within a matter of days, Mark’s condition worsened and on March 22, he was transferred by ambulance down to the University of Utah Hospital’s Internal Medicine Unit. Doctors there shared the incredibly heart-breaking news that Mark is gravely ill with almost complete liver failure and requires a liver transplant to survive.

Since arriving at UofU Hospital, Mark has undergone exhaustive tests, and unfortunately his kidneys have now started to be impacted while they work over-time to help rid his body of toxins that his liver can no longer process. Mark is currently undergoing dialysis in an effort to stabilize his kidneys. Jessica has been by his side from the minute he was transported to SLC and is a tireless support not only for Mark, but also to their son, Caden.

Unfortunately, the timeline at University of Utah is such that Mark would have to wait 90 days to be assessed to be added to their liver transplant list. Given the severity of his condition, getting him added sooner than 90 days has become the priority. With the support of the staff at UofU and the research done by family, an alternate facility in Richmond, Virginia, VCU Health (Virginia Commonwealth University) Hume-Lee Transplant Center, has just provided the incredible news that they will take him as a patient and work to get him added to their transplant list as soon as possible. A 90 day waiting period will not be necessary at their facility which very well could be life-saving for Mark.

While the news from Richmond, VA is incredibly encouraging, there is a very daunting road ahead for their family - both physically and emotionally. The timeline to get Mark the life-saving surgery he needs and recovery currently is:

• Secured medical transport via plane for Mark and Jess from SLC to Richmond, VA.
  
• Once Mark arrives into the VCU Hume-Lee Transplant center, dialysis and other medical steps will be continued in an effort to help his system stabilize while exhaustive tests are performed to confirm viability of being a successful transplant recipient. 
• Once accepted to the transplant list, length of wait for a transplant is unknown. (Transplant for Mark’s condition requires a cadaver liver only). Mark will stay, more than likely, at the hospital, and Jess will be there in Richmond with him as well. Caden will also travel out to be with his parents at the appropriate time. 
• If a liver becomes available, and he successfully undergoes the transplant (which is one of the most complicated surgeries with possible additional surgeries after), post discharge requires a minimum of 3 months of 24-hour care wherever Jess and Mark will be staying in Richmond.
• Beyond the first 3 months post op discharge, they will need to continue to stay in Richmond close to the transplant center for up to a year. He has to continue to have access to the transplant center for any complications or “run of the mill” illness and he’ll be on strong immune suppressant medications (which he will continue to use for the rest of his life). 

The entire timeline for which they will possibly be faced with being on the other side of the country from family and friends could be well over a year. In just a matter of two weeks their entire world has been completely flipped upside down.

Those who know Mark, Jess and Caden know they love deeply, care immensely, bring so much laughter to our world and would do absolutely anything for those who have the great luck of calling them friends. Many have reached out and expressed interest in helping their family, prompting us, with their approval, to create this fundraiser. Any contribution, regardless of amount, will help lessen the financial burden they are suddenly faced with and will continue to endure in the months ahead. We, and they, thank you for your consideration in helping ease this part of their worries so that their energies can go into helping Mark make it through this incredibly challenging time. Funds will go directly to the family to help with Mark’s extensive medical expenses, help while Mark is unable to work, and will help support the family as they live a considerable distance from home, family and friends.

They are so appreciative of all the love and healing wishes that have been sent their way. Keep them flowing - it provides an incredible boost to their spirits!

(Please feel free to share, post, forward this fundraiser to others in your family or community).