Kelsie Jade McHugh is a new mom who had been trying to have a child with her husband for eight years, and when she finally fell pregnant, they were overjoyed. However, after her baby’s heart stopped 31 weeks into the pregnancy, Kelsie had to undergo an emergency C-section, which led to her baby daughter Renae being successfully delivered. Unfortunately, just an hour later, Kelsie suffered a heart attack and had to go through additional surgeries. Since then, she has faced a slew of health issues, including weight loss, fatigue, and nausea. Doctors have now informed her that she needs an urgent bowel transplant to survive due to her bladder being torn during labor, combined with her cystic fibrosis diagnosis, leading to intestinal failure.
Kelsie’s health continued to worsen as she experienced extreme fatigue and nausea, struggled to keep food down, and lost a significant amount of weight. Multiple surgeries followed, with one resulting in a stoma being fitted for the first time in her life. In a devastating turn of events, a ruptured mass in her small intestine led to another emergency surgery, leaving her with just five stone in weight. Subsequent complications, including sepsis and failing pancreas, resulted in multiple organ failure, with doctors giving her only a year to live. Kelsie is now desperately awaiting a bowel transplant that could potentially save her life, but she is aware that the process largely depends on finding a suitable donor, which could take months or may never happen. She expressed her concerns over leaving behind her daughter and husband, as well as not being ready to face end-of-life decisions at just 30 years old.
To support Kelsie through this challenging time, a GoFundMe page has been set up, showcasing her bucket list of experiences she hopes to enjoy. Due to the severity of her medical condition, Kelsie requires a bowel transplant to save her life and prevent further organ failure. With just 20cm of her small bowel remaining, she is facing an uphill battle for survival. The ongoing health issues, surgeries, and traumatic experiences have taken a toll on Kelsie and her family, with the uncertainty of waiting for a potential donor being one of the hardest aspects of her situation. Despite the grim prognosis and the emotional burden she carries, Kelsie remains determined to fight for her life and cherish every moment with her loved ones.
Kelsie has endured a harrowing ordeal, undergoing multiple surgeries, facing severe health complications, and struggling with the fear of leaving her young daughter without a mother. The overwhelming challenges have not only affected her physical health but also her emotional well-being, as she navigates the difficult journey of awaiting a life-saving transplant. The support from the community through the fundraising campaign and the resilience she demonstrates amidst adversity highlight the strength and courage Kelsie possesses. Ultimately, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, the importance of cherishing every moment, and the power of hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
