Transplant Type - Liver

We are thrilled to report that Ray received his lifesaving transplant in November 2009!

In 2005, Ray was diagnosed with Hepatitis C and then diabetes a few months later. His illness worsened, and he learned he was suffering from liver cancer. Doctors told Ray a liver transplant was his only hope for a second chance at life.

Ray worked for 30 years as a cabinet builder, but his declining health now prevents him from working. Anita, his wife of 24 years, suffers from a spinal condition that also leaves her unable to work. They have three sons, ages 28, 22 and 19, and one grandson who is 11. Ray and their youngest son love to hunt and fish together. Ray was with their grandson as he bagged a turkey on his first hunt. It was hard to tell who was more excited. Their grandson is looking forward to many more hunts with his grandpa.

Despite his struggles, Ray is optimistic about the future and looks forward to hunting, fishing and traveling once his health improves. He is hopeful that the transplant will allow him to spend more time with his family and friends. But he needs your help.

A liver transplant costs approximately $520,000. And that's only the beginning. Even with medical coverage, Ray will face significant expenses. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. The cost of post-transplant medications can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month--and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

Ray's health coverage has a lifetime maximum, and he is very close to reaching the limit. He and Anita fear they will have to sell their home to afford the transplant and related expenses.

You can help.
Your gift to the NFT Missouri Liver Fund will enable us to assist Ray with his transplant expenses. To make a secure online donation, please click on the link beneath Ray's photo. If you prefer to mail your gift, please send it to NFT Missouri Liver Fund, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write "in honor of Ray Foster" in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity! With your help, NFT can help change Ray's life.

Patient Health Institute: Barnes-Jewish Hospital