TAHOE/TRUCKEE and#8212;-What if you were living on borrowed time? Floriston resident Tammy Anagnos is fighting for her life.

In 1993, she was diagnosed with a life-threatening liver disease. Although she tried many experimental treatments, her health continued to worsen and doctors now say a liver transplant is critical to her survival. Sadly, Tammy is also battling a serious gastrointestinal disorder that can cause her to suddenly experience internal bleeding. She requires a monthly banding procedure to prevent the bleeding. Doctors are confident her transplant would remedy this disorder.

Despite these challenges, Tammy is a strong woman who is no stranger to adversity. She put herself through college while raising Josh, her young son, by herself. Josh played for Truckee High School football, wrestled and is now raising his own family.

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Tammy is extremely grateful for her mother and stepfather’s support, and thankful that Josh, her daughter-in-law and grandson have made great sacrifices to enable a satisfactory living situation for her. Friends, family and community members have created an amazing support system during this difficult time. A transplant will save Tammy’s life and allow her resume an active role in her grandson’s life, as well as fishing, camping and hiking with her family and friends. More than anything, she’s determined to beat this disease so she can spend many more years watching her grandson grow and providing care for him during the work week.

Unfortunately, Tammy’s hope for a new life comes at a very high price.

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A liver transplant costs approximately $500,000. Thankfully her insurance will cover a large portion of her transplant expenses, but she still faces lifelong expenses related to her transplant. For the rest of her life, Tammy will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications, which can be very costly.

When she receives her transplant, Tammy must temporarily relocate more than 200 miles from her home to be near the transplant center during recovery, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food and lodging. She has always been a hard worker and even ran her own business, but she is no longer able to work because of her declining health, adding to the financial strain.

What if your life depended on the compassion and generosity of others?

The National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) is working with volunteers and supporters to help relieve Tammy’s growing burden of expenses. NFT has been assisting transplant patients with advocacy and fundraising support for 28 years. Your gift and#8212; of $25, $50, $100 or more and#8212; will enable NFT to provide Tammy with the financial support she desperately needs.

You can help by visiting http://www.transplants.org to make a secure online donation. Click on Patients We Help and search for Tammy Anagnos.

If you have any questions about NFT, feel free to contact the staff at 800-489-3863.

Many thanks to all.

National Foundation for Transplants, 5350 Poplar Ave., Ste. 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Call 800-489-3863 or visit http://www.transplants.org.

and#8212; Submitted to aedgett@sierrasun.com