Transplant Fundraiser for Andrea Johnson

Her name is Andrea Johnson. She was born and raised here in Atlanta and is the mother of three wonderful children.  

At the end of 2009, a routine doctor's visit where blood was drawn uncovered problems with her thyroid and slightly elevated liver tests, which were thought to be a gallbladder malfunction. These findings along with a visit to a GI doctor uncovered the Hepatitis C virus, Genotype 3; an easily treated and curable form.
Like many Baby Boomers, this diagnosis was a complete shock.

Often, there is no way of knowing how the disease was contracted. Reports now indicate that something as simple as sharing a razor or toothbrush can transfer the virus. Hepatitis is a silent killer. Most people will have the disease for 20 to 30 years before signs of damage appear. Doctors do not test for Hepatitis C, A and B, when blood is drawn, unless requested by the patient. This is dangerous, to say the least. 

At the time of the diagnosis, Andrea was pronounced with Stage Two fibrosis/cirrhosis and there was a better than 95% cure rate for her Hepatitis, which would also stop further damage to her liver.

This was not the case, though. Andrea suffered fevers and infections and 11 long hospital visits in just five months. In September 2010, she first suffered a GI Bleed and two weeks later hepatic encephalopathy, a tremendous spike in ammonia, which can lead to coma and death. Her liver was severely damaged as a result and Andrea now has End Stage Liver Disease and was placed on the Liver Transplant list at Piedmont Hospital in November 2010. 

Liver disease can also cause other illnesses. As if the ESLD isn't bad enough, her thyroid problem, which ultimately lead to her diagnosis, is caused by liver malfunction. This malfunction has now caused her to be an insulin dependent diabetic, even though her pancreas is normal and functioning and she has plenty of insulin reserves.

Andrea has endured things that would make most people pass out in a heap on the floor. I have witnessed things at the hospital that have left me in awe of my sister’s courage and perseverance. This is an awful, horrible disease that leaves even the strongest of people hanging on for dear life in the midst of the treatment alone not to mention the side effects of the disease itself.

Andrea’s goal is to encourage testing and giving others courage to get through the rough times. She is also committed to a start-up foundation called A New Life Transplant Organization. A New Life is currently applying for Non-Profit status. This non-profit will give assistance to others in a pre-transplant capacity.

This year A New Life Transplant Organization invites you, your family and friends to join us for our second annual fundraising event at Eddie’s Attic, Sunday, June 24 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attendees are asked to give a generous donation of $20 at the door with kids 10 and under admitted free. This donation will give patrons all day access to yummy cuisine, relaxing smooth Jazz, supervised kid friendly activities, a silent auction, raffle drawings, and foot tapping music in the Music room that will go into the evening.

  Some transplant facts that will astound you: 

• More than 10,000 Georgians have received a life-saving organ transplant.
• The total cost of transplants in Georgia grew from $205 million in 2002 to $415 million in 2008.
• Follow up costs alone for the recipient are $60,000 annually and post-transplant medications  or anti- rejection drugs range from $25,000 to $30,000 a year and are a life-long requirement!

If you need any more information, please do not hesitate to call 678-925-0476, email or fax, or go to the Facebook page. Thank you for your consideration and we are looking forward to your response!

With a big heart and a generous gift, you will help Andrea live!
DONATE LIFE!

Thank You Very Much!
Leah Brody Perea, B.S.H.Ed.
Health Education Specialist; Event Coordinator
A New Life Transplant Organization
1845 Bruce Road
Atlanta, GA 30329
Cell phone:  678-925-0476
Email: leahperea@yahoo.com  
Fax: 770-216-1247