Benjamin Wallace

Ben Wallace

Transplant Type: Liver

What if you were living on borrowed time?

Ben Wallace is fighting for his life. In 2008, after a routine colonoscopy, he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Though he underwent treatment for his illness, Ben found that he had developed primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in 2011. PSC is a very rare liver disease, but commonly affects people who suffer from IBD. Ben’s condition continued to worsen, and now doctors say a liver transplant is critical to his survival.

During such a challenging time, Ben is thankful for his wife and best friend, Ryanne, their daughter, Reagan, family, and friends. He wishes they did not have to be so concerned about his health, but he is grateful for their love and support. Before his health began to decline, he enjoyed traveling to the beach and the mountains. He could often be seen walking around town with his family, but these days, his activities are quite limited. Ben looks forward to the transplant that will allow him to live his life with as few limitations as possible, and to spend many more years making memories with his loved ones, but right now, he needs your help.

Unfortunately, Ben’ 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 a portion of the transplant costs 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.

Ben lives more than 400 miles from the transplant center, and he incurs substantial expenses each time he visits for evaluations and doctors’ appointments. When he receives his transplant, Ben and his caregiver will need to stay near the hospital, during recovery, adding to the financial strain.

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

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 Ben Wallace” in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Transplant Center:  University of Pittsburgh Medical Center