A Call for Help: Ami’s Journey and Need for a Living Donor
Imagine waking up one day feeling unwell—truly unwell—and not knowing why. That’s what happened to Ami three years ago. She woke up, turned to her husband, James, and said, “I feel really sick.” Three days passed without her being able to eat, prompting James to take her to the hospital. This was during the height of COVID-19, and the initial assumption was that the virus might be to blame. However, after extensive testing, the real cause emerged: a significant buildup of fluid in her abdomen.
The fluid needed to be drained—a procedure that was both urgent and excruciatingly painful. As pints of fluid were removed, the medical team began searching for answers. A gastroenterology specialist conducted further tests and delivered an unexpected diagnosis: cirrhosis of the liver.
Ami was stunned. “That can’t be right,” she told the doctor.
The journey to uncover the cause of her liver damage began. While Ami admits to enjoying an occasional drink in moderation, she never imagined this could happen to her. The doctors, however, identified a history of unintentional harm. As a child, she was subjected to medication misuse, being given treatments she didn’t need. Later, as a pre-teen, an eating disorder added further strain on her liver.
Now, at just 47 years old, Ami’s liver functions like that of a 98-year-old. Her diagnosis has been life-changing, not just for her but for her entire family.
Meet Ami
Ami is a devoted mother of four—three beautiful daughters and a handsome son, all proud graduates of Prior Lake High School. Hearing her talk about her children, you can see the sparkle of love and pride in her eyes as she shares stories from their childhood.
Raising her kids, Ami instilled values of self-reliance and confidence. When they asked for pets, she had them write papers outlining the responsibilities and costs involved, teaching them accountability and commitment. Above all, she wanted them to know she believed in them and knew they could manage a pet. Ami deeply loves her children—unconditionally.
Determined to break the cycle of abuse she endured in her own childhood, Ami created a home filled with laughter, warmth, and unwavering support. She and James made their children the priority, ensuring they always felt cherished and secure.
A Family’s Role Reversal
Today, the roles have shifted. Ami’s children are her caretakers, watching over her with the same love and dedication she poured into them. They know the signs of trouble—when her ammonia levels might be too high or when she’s overly fatigued. They help with daily tasks and offer a shoulder to lean on during tough times.
This has been a challenging and emotional journey for the entire family. Yet their bond remains unshakable.
A Chance to Help
Ami urgently needs a living donor to provide a portion of their liver. The ideal donor must have type O blood. If you are type O, please consider giving the incredible gift of life.
Ami’s insurance will cover all associated costs, including any time off work required for the procedure and recovery. The surgery will be performed at the renowned Mayo Clinic, a leader in transplant care.
Your kindness could give Ami a second chance—a chance to continue being the loving mother, wife, and friend she is to so many.
To learn more about becoming a living donor, please visit: mayoclinic.org/livingdonor
Hello, my name is James, and I am Ami’s husband, I wanted to create a quick glimpse into Ami’s illness through the eyes of her husband and primary caregiver. Ami and I have been married 25 years and have 4 beautiful children, we met as teenagers and started our family at a young age, life was normal, we were raising our children, I was working and going to school, and Ami was raising our young children. We were inseparable right from the start spending every waking moment together, she was my queen and I wanted to make a stable and happy life for us.
Through our 20’s and 30’s we raised our children, Ami was a stay-at-home mom, she was and is a wonderful mother, she devoted her life to making our house a home. As the kids got older, we began to travel some, we both enjoy lazy days on the beach or weekends out on the pontoon. As we were enjoying life of a married couple with young adult children, ready to begin the next phase of our lives, our whole world changed.
In December of 2021 Ami contracted Corona, she was sick but did not require hospitalization, in February of 2022 we thought she had pneumonia or possibly still suffering from the side effects of the Corona virus. She was having trouble breathing so we decided she should probably go to the ER, there they found she had fluid surrounding her right lung, due to Covid I was not allowed to be with her so she was forced to endure the procedure of having a large needle inserted into her chest cavity to remove the fluid, she would have to do this procedure several times per week for several weeks, alone. I felt helpless, I was always there to be the one she could lean on, but I couldn’t be that person this time, unfortunately this was only going to be the beginning.
In May of 2022 we were given the devastating news that Ami had stage 3 liver failure, they told if things progressed and treatments didn’t work, she could have as little as 6-24 months to live, I was in shock, flooded with thoughts and emotions. Was this it? Was I losing the most important person in my entire life? It was a hard pill to swallow, we had plans to grow old together and travel the world, now I was forced to wonder how I would go on if she was gone. Ami to this days suffers from excessive water retention and very low energy, some days she sleeps 16 hours or more, for obviously reasons that makes it difficult for her to do day to day chores, I do as much as I possibly can to help her which causes a great deal of guilt for her.
Immediately we began seeing a top-rated GI doctor who was great, he said he was not going to let her die and he would do everything in his power to help stabilize her and eventually make it to the transplant list. We eventually made the decision that considering we have the best medical facility in our back yard we should utilize it and go the Mayo Clinic, turns out that was one of the best things we could have done, Ami is now on the national waiting list for a liver but that could be years before she receives an organ from a deceased donor. We are currently seeking a gift of life, someone who is able and willing to donate a portion of their liver so Ami can get her life back and we can continue our dream of growing old together and traveling the world. If you or somebody you know is a potential match, please complete the form in the link on this page to donate. Please help save my queen!!
-James