Updated posted by Friends of Don 23 months ago
For tax purposes, we've had to...
For tax purposes, we've had to move the donation site to Don's NTAF page. Donations are gratefully appreciated there. Thank you!!!
Updated posted by Friends of Don 23 months ago
Don’s Liver Update 6/1/10 First off, I want...
Don’s Liver Update
6/1/10
First off, I want to thank all of you who have donated this week. I can’t describe the happy, hopeful, glowing feeling that has come from reaching out to you. The same can be said for those who have also passed the word along and for those who are offering products and services for the silent auction. Thank you so much. I can’t say it enough.
We have three financial goals for BrandNewLiver—the first one, to raise $2,500 so Don may be put on the waiting list has been MET! We made that goal yesterday morning, and donations still kept coming in. The second goal is to raise another $2,500 so Don may have the actual transplant of his Certified Pre-Owned Liver (thank you for that, Lauren from Starbucks!). The third goal is to raise whatever is needed to help Don be as financially comfortable as he can be during recovery post-operation.
I met with Starbucks at Parkside Mall this weekend, and once again was bowled over at how concerned and caring all of Don’s coworkers were. That is just one group that loves him like crazy and will do anything they can to help out. They have a donation jar and I will go back from time to time to check in, collect the donations and dump them into his fund. I am sure they will be able to help with the silent auction as well. It’s great to have them on our side.
I have donation jars out at a few more locations, and they are waiting on management approval to be officially out to the general public. I will be calling those places later today to follow up. I am not going too crazy with those at this time, because I am seeing how they do before I blanket the city with them.
I also hope to have the final location set for the car wash later today, and Vinnie Saletto is working on the venue for the live band/silent auction event as well. We have contacts out and are just waiting on the final words.
Don has an interview with the St. Petersburg Times in St. Petersburg, Florida tomorrow. I know this will generate more interest, and I am excited as all get-out about it.
www.BrandNewLiver.com is getting updated all of the time, and we are also updating Twitter throughout the day—you may follow us there at www.Twitter.com/BrandNewLiver.
Thank you so much!!!
Created by Friends of Don on May 26, 2010
About This Page
Don Waugh has always been the most optimistic person I have ever met. Despite multiple health problems, including being mostly deaf as well as having Autoimmune Hepatitis (specifically Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis), ulcerative colitis, and hyperthyroidism, he has fought his entire life to overcome these obstacles and be a hard worker, a fantastic supportive friend, and an inspiration to everyone he meets. In 2004, his liver began to fail, and in March of this year it has escalated to stage 4 liver failure and he is only 40 years old. On March 5th he posted videos on Facebook saying his goodbyes to his friends and loved ones. He wished everyone well and told everyone that everything would be ok, despite his impending death. He was fighting, but he was ready for what seemed to be inevitable.
He survived the hospital stay, but went on the donor list for a new liver. He never wanted a handout, and he hated the fact that he needed to be on disability in order to get on the donor list, but he did. With his wife’s help, he began the process of getting a new liver. He looked forward to going back to work and getting on with his life. All of his friends and his employer, Starbucks in Parkside Mall rallied around him. Well wishes and donations were sent, and everyone was pulling for him. His wife, Kim worked tirelessly to take care of him—making sure bills were paid, laundry was done, and their apartment they shared was well kept.
On Saturday, April 17th, his wife Kim suffered a stroke. She passed away on Sunday, April 18th at the age of 38.
No one would have been shocked if it was Don, but no one expected Kim to suddenly pass away. Now Don’s main support is gone. Kim also left behind an 18 year old daughter who is finishing high school at night and online and working. She is looking for a place to live in Brandon, but is staying with Don short term. She is beginning college after completing her high school education. It is now Don who makes sure she is enrolled in school and living in a stable apartment. Although he has more health issues than many face in a lifetime, he is the one who takes care of her and offers support to others when they need it.
If there is ever a human interest story of strength and love this is it.
For tax purposes, we've had to move the donation site to Don's NTAF page to http://www.ntafund.org/find-a-patient/profile/index.cfm/patient/5BD44957-98AD-5C96-7AECC504535360F2 Donations are gratefully appreciated there. Thank you!!!
GoFundMe is a wonderful service, and we are happy to say working with this site has been a pleasure.
Thank you!!!
Recent Donations (165)
$200.00
Brian Graupner
23 months ago
$200.00
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23 months ago
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23 months ago
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23 months ago
$15.00
Anonymous
23 months ago
$50.00
Veronica Halloran
23 months ago
$10.00
Anonymous
23 months ago
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23 months ago
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23 months ago
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23 months ago
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I don't do donations, because I'm a starving college student with credit card debt as it is, but I've been fairly blessed recently, and your story moves me. God bless, man.
posted by Andy 23 months ago
Mentioned this at a party last night. Someone handed me a 5 to send in.
posted by Scott Damiano 23 months ago
will be honored to donate a little every paycheck... he will make his goal! I am also going to speak with my company rep to see if they can make a donation. :)
posted by stownsend 23 months ago