Miracles happen! Help Emily with transplant costs

Four years ago, my niece, Emily, was your typical 13 year old: playing basketball, going to school and hanging with friends.  However, constant stomach pain and fatigue, led to the diagnosis of an autoimmune liver disease and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a rare bile duct disease with no current treatment.  Sometimes these diseases progress slowly, but unfortunately in Emily's case, they advanced rapidly and the doctors recently told her she needed a liver transplant sooner than originally expected. She was put on a wait list and after several months, we received the miracle call that a liver match for Emily was available.  Two weeks ago, Emily had the transplant and is now recovering. The post-transplant care is a long and arduous process, requiring frequent follow up appointments, blood and radiology testing as well as expensive medications she will be on for the rest of her life.  Since the transplant, my sister drives back and forth to the hospital in the Bronx several times a week for tests and doctor appointments for Emily.  Results of these tests often reveal complications that Emily needs to be re-admitted into the hospital for. Currently, Emily is back in the hospital because of fluid build-up in her body and we know that the long road to recovery will be filled with these ups and downs. 

My sister, Ivy,  is the sole provider and caregiver to her two children, having lost her husband to colon cancer over 10 years ago.  She is a single mom working hard to provide for her family, all while taking care of my niece through these serious medical issues.  This past year has been especially difficult due to Emily's worsened condition and the limited interaction she has had with friends due to her poor immune system and COVID-19.   

All this has taken a toll on my sister physically, emotionally, and financially. Last year alone, she incurred $15,000 in out-of-pocket costs before the transplant and now those costs are only escalating post-treatment. We feel blessed to have the love and support of so many in the community.  I know many of you have asked how you can help, which is what spurred me to create this fund.  I know this is such a hard time for so many, but if you can, please consider participating to help Ivy and her family.  Please donate whatever amount feels right for you.  Any amount is appreciated. On top of everything else though, please keep Emily and Ivy in your prayers. 

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts-
Amy Kaufman and family