Support for Lori's Transplant Journey

Please help Lori Get a New Liver

Taanishi/Hello!

My name is Tamara, and I am humbly seeking support for my mom Lori Ruggles, who is suffering from end stage, liver disease due to chemotherapy treatment she had to take for many years during flare-ups of systemic scleroderma (which is now in remission). She is currently on the active list for a liver transplant at VGH in Vancouver and various medical professionals assisting her have advised us to temporarily move to be closer to VGH in order to be immediately available for a liver donation. Once the transplant occurs, we have been advised that we will need to stay for 3 months post-op while she is recovering and needing the care of specialists that are not available in Northern BC.

Why Go Fund Me?

This situation has proven to be extremely difficult to deal with, although my mom keeps a very positive attitude. Other than being quite ill, the financial burden this will bring is overwhelming. According to the BC Transplant Society the cost of approximately 6 months in Vancouver is between $35,000.00 - $55,000.00. We now know the monthly cost of rent, utilities and secured parking which is $5000/month. We are still working out the total cost for hospital parking, transportation, meals, and caregiver/nursing support. My parents, Lori and Don Ruggles, are seniors with limited resources, and the expense of this is really too great for them to carry. We know the BC Provincial Government has been made aware of the burden transplant patients are facing, others in our region have shared their stories and concerns regarding the transplant process. The government has stated publicly they are committed to finding a way to fix this, as hundreds of people are experiencing this burden every year, but right now, without immediate financial support, a move is just not viable. We have reached out to many different service providers within the lower mainland with either no availability/program to assist or without a response.

We are hoping that when people read about my Mom’s situation, they will also encourage the Federal and Provincial governments to make “universal health care” a reality and that patients from outlying areas will get assistance so they can have the same level of care that people in metropolitan centers have access to.

About My Mom

Lori is a long time resident of Prince George who has been active in her community and her union for many years. She is a mother of two and a fabulous Nana to many beautiful children who love her dearly. Lori is a Métis Citizen of BC, a former Health and Benefit Trustee, a Commissioner of Industry, Training and Apprenticeship Commission. She is a former Union delegate, Labour Instructor, and Alternate Business Agent for her union. She was also involved in the Parent’s Advisory Council and organizer of various groups participating in funding cancer research. Both my parents have given to others all their lives, if they had the power to help anyone, they did so. Their work and generosity was always something I admired.

If You Can, Please Contribute and/or Share with Friends and Family

It is a very humbling experience to ask for support from strangers, family and friends. It has been very difficult for mom to publicly speak about her medical conditions and openly ask for financial support. Like many of her generation, she doesn’t usually share about her health issues, or worries other than to very close friends and family. She is also great at giving help, but not asking for it.

Our Family greatly appreciates any contribution you can make towards supporting Mom’s journey. We know that even small amounts can add up quickly and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Maarsii/Thank You,

Tamara & Family