Lois' Second Chance

Lois Sharp

Transplant Type:   Liver and Kidney 

What if you were living on borrowed time? 

Lois is a very gentle and kind woman, someone who makes an impact on everyone she meets.  She has spent her entire working career as a medical billing expert, always doing her best to help the patients she served. Lois enjoys gardening, spending time with her grandkids and cooking for those she loves.  This was until Lois was diagnosed with stage 4 liver and kidney disease and all her passions had to come to a halt.    

In April 2023, Lois was hospitalized and told by doctors that she had Kidney failure and Cirrhosis of the lives, stage 4. Following this initial hospital visit Lois was hospitalized 3 more times. During these hospital visits she had to have fluid drained from her abdomen, a port put in for dialysis. These hospital visits will remain necessary for fluid draining until she is able to receive the liver and kidney transplants needed to save her life.  She was also on dialysis for 2 months.  There is still a possibility she will need dialysis again in the future.

Since Lois's condition has worsened, she is no longer able to work. Her husband Steve serves as her fulltime caretaker and is on disability himself. Lois is a self-proclaimed foodie and says that it has been difficult to adjust to the many dietary limitations. Lois is extremely grateful to have Steve by her side during this difficult time. Lois is also surrounded by family and friends that want to do everything in their power to help her get well. 

Unfortunately, Lois's hope for a new life comes at a very high price.

The average liver and kidney transplant costs more than 1 million dollars. Even with the support of health insurance, Lois still faces significant medical expenses related to the transplant. Post-surgery she will require lifetime follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. These medications are very costly, and they are as important to her survival as the transplant itself.  

While Lois and Steve love their home they live over 180 miles from Lois's doctors and transplant care team. Following her liver and kidney transplant, they will need to stay in long-term housing near the hospital for three months at a minimum. The regular travel to see doctors and the additional expense of long-term housing near the hospital add to the couple’s financial strain.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to the National Foundation for Transplants in honor of Lois.  

If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the National Foundation for Transplants, 3249 W. Sarazen’s Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125.  Please be sure to write "in honor of Lois Sharp” in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Transplant Center:   Integris Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute (Transplant Center)

If you have any questions about The National Foundation for Transplants, feel free to contact the staff at 800-489-3863.