Help me keep my niece alive

About My Niece

Hello. We would like to share a story with you in hopes of raising some money to help a very special person in our lives and the lives of others.  This wonderful, young lady is Lauren Lestochi.  Lauren is 28 years old, a very giving person and always worried about other people; she always puts their needs before hers. She works hard at her job as a waitress - trying to make ends meet.

Recently, she was diagnosed with a very rare liver disease, PSC (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis).  Her bile duct is not functioning properly causing stress on the liver, which can lead to Cirrhosis. This disease mostly effects men and is usually found in people who are alcoholics or have contracted hepatitis.  Lauren does not fall into any of these categories which leave her doctors wondering why a small percentage of PSC suffers fall into the “unknown category”. She also is considered to be very young to have this disease and they feel she may have had it for a while.

There is no cure.  The only treatment for this disease is to eventually have a liver transplant.  In the meantime, they’ve said she needs a colonoscopy and an endoscopy to determine her stage and the condition of her bile duct and liver. After being diagnosed, she was referred to an expert in Pittsburgh who specializes in PSC.

Lauren has visited the federal ACA site to determine if she can obtain insurance through the Exchange. She is having the same trouble everyone else is and has no idea what will happen there. Unfortunately, she cannot wait – the clock is ticking.

We are reaching out to as many people as we can in hopes of raising enough money for Lauren to get the immediate tests she needs.  On-going, she will need a tremendous amount of money to cover the transplant. Any donation, no matter the size, will be greatly appreciated.  And if you are not able to make a contribution, your prayers will help too.