“I want to be finishing the race for the next 15 years.”

These words came from Steve recently and describe so well the person he is: purposeful, ambitious, loving, servant-hearted, adventurous, and faithful. For those coming to this page, your life has almost certainly been impacted by Steve as a friend, husband, father, family member, and coach. Now, it is our turn to return the kindness and care he has invested in us.

The purpose of this page is to share updates of Steve’s medical condition, and practical ways we wrap around him to serve him and his family.

About Steve’s Medical Condition:

 As many of you know, Steve was recently diagnosed with an autoimmune liver disease in January of this year called Primary Biliary Cirrhosis.

This Spring he worked hard to make lifestyle changes, improve exercise routines, and increase rhythms of rest to regain health. In June, his blood work was the healthiest it had been in a year, but after a trip to Uganda he started getting really sick after contracting two bacterial infections. He had to fight them with three of the strongest oral antibiotics possible, which created ulcers and terrible pain and bloating in his intestines.

Simultaneously, his liver began to be taxed and started a downward spiral. He’s had his abdomen drained multiple times a week, removing 3-10 liters of fluid each time. Unfortunately, this was a sign of advanced disease, which led to a liver specialist recommending that he move toward having a liver transplant sooner rather than later. Over the last two months, Steve has moved forward in the evaluation process to be put on a transplant list with both Cleveland clinic and Mayo clinic. All the while symptoms have increased in severity.

 This week (mid October) Steve will undergo a TIPS procedure at Cleveland Clinic, which will help with the symptoms he’s been experiencing. One potential risk is that the procedure could put additional strain on his liver, which could increase the urgency of a liver transplant.

 Depending on meeting the criteria of Cleveland Clinic or Mayo Clinic, it could take 2-5 months for a transplant. Our desire is to have the surgery and start recovery sooner than later. A transplant is major surgery and the first year is usually very difficult. However, after that year, if all goes well, he should move back to a much healthier situation.

 Specific Prayer Requests

• Accepted onto a transplant list with Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic, and be able to have the surgery by the end of the year.
• For pain and symptoms to subside in the short term throughout the evaluation process and waiting for a liver to become available.  
• Continued faith, strength, and endurance for the Griffith family throughout this process.

 Ways you can support him:

•  The Griffith family will have significant expenses to cover the cost of care. The initial estimate is $230,000. Your support will help alleviate the financial burden and help enable Steve to receive care. 
• The greatest risk right now is that his liver will decline without another liver being available for a transplant. One opportunity would be receiving a donation from a living donor, which would allow a friend or family to provide life saving care by donating a portion of their liver. If this is something you're considering, you can learn more through this link.