Robert Brad Francis
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
National Foundation for Transplants, Inc.$12,365
raised by 102 people
$30,000 goal
UPDATE 01/27/2019:
Today is Brad's birthday. It is his first birthday with his new liver. His liver transplant was 7 months and 4 days ago. This time last year, he was very...VERY...close to death. I honestly don't remember if he was in or out of the hospital last year on his birthday. I can tell you that we were both preparing for him to die. I was hopeful, but trying to be realistic that he would receive a transplant in time. He was somewhat hopeful but had made his peace with his mortality and was expecting to die.
I am filled with gratitude for the medical personnel who kept him alive long enough for the donor and donor family to "find" him. And I am grateful for the folks who brought him through to his 46th birthday.
Hug your loved ones a little tighter. Make sure you tell people you love them so often there is no doubt.
Brad Francis
Transplant Type: Liver
Brad Francis is fighting for his life. In 2016, he was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease. His illness leaves him very tired and takes a toll on his quality of life. Doctors say a liver transplant is critical to his survival.
During this difficult time, Brad is grateful for the love and support of his wife, Kerri, and their family and friends. Brad and Kerri have four boys who range in age from seven to eighteen. While they all worry about his health, his youngest sons have been most impacted by his disease; his youngest doesn’t even remember a time before Brad became ill. Brad absolutely loves spending time with his family. Brad used to coach soccer and baseball, so not even being able to attend his youngest kids’ games is one of the worst parts of this disease.
Brad’s illness has affected his ability to enjoy other activities as well, including building furniture, swimming, traveling, and cooking. More than anything, he looks forward to regaining his identity as an active member of his community and society. Brad cannot wait to work again, to show his wife and kids the world, and to enjoy living instead of worrying all the time about dying. But, right now, he needs your help.
The average liver transplant costs approximately $878,000. And that’s only the beginning. Even with insurance, which will cover a portion of the transplant costs, he still faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they’re as critical to his survival as the transplant itself. Brad had to leave his job with United Airlines, which required he travel abroad exclusively, because he is no longer allowed to fly, further adding to the financial strain on his family.
You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Brad. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT Texas Transplant Fund, 3249 W. Sarazens Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125. Please be sure to write "in honor of Brad Francis” on the memo line.
Thank you for your generosity!
Patient Health Institute: Houston Methodist