Because Winston has a life-long Alagille Syndrome diagnosis to deal with, it’s imperative we don’t lose sight of the harsh financial realities that accompany this situation.

For his first four years, Winston’s out-of-pocket insurance deductibles, as well as supplemental medical and nutritional costs, have been covered by the COTA contribution funds. Now, with the transplant surgery being in San Antonio rather than their Dallas-based home area, Alyssa and Jordan have incurred additional travel and ancillary expenses while being in a new area for the transplant itself; likewise, there will be further travel costs for the follow-up visits back to San Antonio with the transplant team at later intervals. They have readily utilized the local Ronald McDonald house which offers free lodging and some food preparation services for transplant families, but the reality of being away from Dallas for 2-4 months and at later intervals is a real financial challenge. There will also be loss of income as the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is used to preserve the return to their jobs in Dallas, but without income until that can happen.

So far, the insurance coverage has been great and the family has only dealt with the maximum out-of-pocket deductibles (historically, $7-8,000/year), but this will be an ongoing expected obligation through Winston’s childhood and young adult years. To date, the parents haven’t seen the transplant-related surgery and recovery costs that are coming in, but they hope that there won’t be any major “non-coverage” items that they will need to fund.

All of this brings us back to the harsh financial realities of this situation. The family first and foremost covets your prayers and we know that God WILL provide the way forward financially. We are thankful that organizations like COTA exist to help families with the excess costs that accompany a condition such as Winston’s. Partnering with them enables Winston’s supporters, family, and friends to make a tax-deductible contribution that will go directly to him, 100%, with no overhead. This life-long resource, which is not just for the liver transplant, is critical. We humbly ask for any financial support you are willing and able to give, and we thank you in advance.

God is good!