Kelowna mother waiting for liver transplant calls for change before its too late

Kelowna mother Lindsay Reichelt has endured an autoimmune disease for 18 years and now awaits a liver transplant after ten months on the waitlist. Doctors have informed her that her MELD score inaccurately reflects the severity of her condition, placing her lower on the transplant list than expected. Although she has potential live donors, Reichelt has not received updates or a surgery date from BC Transplant. She emphasizes the urgency of her situation, particularly with the onset of cold and flu season, which poses additional health risks. Reichelt's case illustrates systemic issues in the prioritization of autoimmune patients in transplant assessments.

Medical professionals have raised concerns about the MELD score's effectiveness for such patients but have not seen changes implemented. The lack of clarity and urgency from healthcare authorities has left her feeling like just a number on a list. Reichelt advocates for reform to ensure timely transplants for those with severe autoimmune conditions.