ST. STEPHEN, S.C.–If you’re looking for a good example of what it means to be a survivor, look no further than 29-year-old Lamar Bradley of St. Stephen.
Despite his many serious health struggles, he refuses to give up on life. He knows it’s too precious to just let it slip away without a fight.
“I’m just a young man on a mission to get my old life back as well as back in good health,” stated Bradley.
At age 4, Bradley had his first liver transplant at MUSC. It was a failure, so he had another one at age 5, which saved his life. Unfortunately, his liver is now failing again. This time, however, Bradley says that MUSC will not provide him with another transplant.
“It’s been so long ago since I’ve had the last one. It’s currently worn and torn down from age and medications that it’s also taken effect on my kidneys causing acute kidney failure, and I’m now on dialysis three times a week,” stated Bradley.
A person can only live without a liver for just a short amount of time. According to a study, people who have a liver transplant have an 89% percent chance of living after one year. The five-year survival rate is 75 percent.
Realizing that time is of the essence, Bradley recently sought the help of medical staff at Emory Hospital in Atlanta. He has been undergoing tests since April.
“The trips to Atlanta are very expensive, and if he gets the transplant, and it looks like he will, the expenses will be great, and of course, insurance does not pay for transportation, food, gas or lodging,” explained Bradley’s medical social worker. “Additionally, he will have to stay in Atlanta for seven weeks post-transplant.”
To help pay for his medical expenses, Bradley recently started a GoFundMe page. To date, he’s raised $615 of his $2,500 goal.
“He is an incredible young man. My hope is that if his story can get out, the community might rally around him,” she added.
Because his parents are deceased and he’s unable to work, Bradley currently lives in St. Stephen with his brother. He also has support from his grandmother and aunts but the Berkeley High School graduate welcomes any support from the Lowcountry community.
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