Benjamin Babb

Benjamin Babb

Transplant Type: Liver

***See updates at bottom of page***

What if you were living on borrowed time?

Benjamin Babb is fighting for his life. In December 2020, he was diagnosed with COVID-19. The virus wreaked havoc upon his body, and in March 2021, he was hospitalized and diagnosed with end-stage liver failure. Benjamin was unable to afford his prescriptions, so he tried to make do with over-the-counter medication, which caused further damage. By May of 2021, he was given only three months to live. Doctors say a liver transplant is critical to his survival. While beginning evaluation for transplant, it was found that the COVID-19 virus affected his liver so badly because he suffers from a genetic condition known as alpha-1 antitrypsin disorder.

During such a challenging time, Benjamin is thankful to be surrounded by a strong support system. His mother, stepfather, siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends have been by his side every step of the way providing much needed love and encouragement. While it has been very hard for Benjamin and his loved ones, these circumstances have also brought them closer together, strengthened their trust in each other, and given them perspective on what matters most in life. Benjamin looks forward to the liver transplant that will allow him to live his life fully again. More than anything, he would like to spend many more years making memories with his family and friends, but right now, he needs your help.

Unfortunately, Benjamin’s hope for a new life comes at a very high price.

The average liver transplant costs approximately $878,000, and that is only the beginning. Even with health insurance, which will cover the cost of his transplant, he faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

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

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 Benjamin Babb” in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Transplant Center:   Integris Baptist Medical Center

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

Updates:

• September 22, 2021 - Angela and Benjamin have had a fun day of shopping.  The excursion caused a little swelling but the swelling is slowly but surely getting better as his body continues to heal.
• September 21, 2021 - Benjamin hasn't been able to sit still.  He is trying to live every day to the fullest and has been spreading joy to everyone whom he has spoken with.
• September 20, 2021 at 2:30 PM - Benjamin was released from the hospital.  He walked 56 laps (over 3.2 miles) before lunch. He has made miraculous strides in his healing.
• September 19, 2021 at 8:47 AM - Benjamin walked 20 laps (17 laps = 1 mile). 
• September 18, 2021 - Benjamin was able to eat real (solid) food.
• September 17, 2021 at 4:30 PM - Benjamin was moved from ICU to a regular hospital room. The nursing staff on 7 East if fantastic!
• September 17, 2021 at 10:30 AM - Benjamin walked about 400 feet with the physical therapist.
• September 16, 2021 - The new liver is producing bile and functioning beautifully. Benjamin is resting and recuperating in the ICU transplant unit. He has one-on-one nursing staff taking care of him and they are amazing!
• September 15, 2021 at 10:19 AM - 2:45 PM - Benjamin underwent the transplant surgery to get a new lease on life!
• September 15, 2021 at 9:30 AM - Benjamin was taken back for surgery.
• September 15, 2021 at 6:55 AM - Learned that the donor liver was viable!!!
• September 14, 2021 at 5 PM - Benjamin got the call to head to the hospital to start the pre-surgery testing (EKG, bloodwork, Covid test, etc.). While Ben waited, the hospital was running test on the donor liver to see if it was viable.
• September 14, 2021 at 3:11 PM - Benjamin got the call from the Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute to begin packing for the hospital.
• August 27, 2021 - Benjamin was officially added to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) waiting list!!!
• July 6, 2021 - The evaluation process for the transplant list began.
• June 21, 2021 - Benjamin's first consultation appointment at the Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute where he learned he had Alpha-1.