Fred’s Transplant

Help Needed to Hold Fundraiser for Fred Nehls Medical Expenses

2011-01-31T15:14:00.002-06:00

Dear Friends & Colleagues,
As many of you know my husband, Fred, had a liver transplant in September. Unfortunately, he has continued to have problems with his liver, bile duct and pancreas and the situation has recently got worse. We have been told if his bile duct does not begin to work on it’s on within the next 6 months he will go back on a liver transplant list. Also, his pancreas is not producing the enzyme needed to break down food so that the body can absorb the nutrients so he has become manutritioned. He currently is drinking lots of Ensure nutrient drinks and eating several small and light meals a day.

To help offset the growing medical bills we will be holding a Chili and Soup fundraiser on February 27, 12-3, at the Piedmont Seventh Day Adventist church located at the corner of 48 & A, Lincoln, NE.

I am currently looking for assistance and hope that you might be willing to donate a pot of chili, chicken noodle, vegetable soup (no pork as it is against their religion), cupcakes or cakes. Other items needed are shredded cheese, cinnamon rolls, dinner rolls, butter, crackers, tea, coffee, disposable bowls, small plates, utensils, napkins and bodies to help serve and cleanup.

Please let me know if you can help in anyway.

Sincerely,
Maria Nehls
maria_medrano_nehls@hotmail.com

Update On Fred's Recovery

2010-09-27T13:46:00.000-05:00

Well, since Fred's liver transplant he has had several complications. We came home on Sept. 17 and I readmitted him on Sept. 20 due to his bile duct collapsing and a stint was placed. Due to the bile sitting in the stomach they placed a drain bag and then opened his incision in five places which I have to pack with gauze soaked in saline twice a day and flush the drain bag twice a day and hook him up to a daily infusion of antibiotic. I keep telling the insurance company that I'm not a nurse nor do I wish to be one but they say they will not continue to pay for home health care but to have us learn ow to care for it.

Below are the raffle items that we hope gather enough funds to help cover medical bills. Remember that Christmas is coming mast and you will need gift items.

Raffle Items

Lsa Richardson, who is a Mary Kay consultant donated a TimeWise Miracle Set valued at $90.00.

The kit includes the 3 in 1 cleanser, night solution, day solution and age-fighting moisturizer. Raffle tickets are $5.00 a piece or 4 for $20.00.

Ann and Jesse Medrano have again donated a one-night stay at their lovely bed and breakfast, Annie's Garden Guest House, in Amana Iowa. Included with the one-night stay is $30 gift card to the Ronneburg Restaurant. What a great weekend trip to relax and visit the lovely and quaint sites of Amana Iowa. Value of package is $140. Tickets for the one-night Bed and Breakfast package are $10.00 per ticket or 5 for $40.00

This beautiful bag was donated by Jean Ahrens and her daughter Tuvan. Tuvan who own a quaint little shop in Scottsbluff. Tickets for the beautiful bag are $5.00 per ticket or 6 for $30.00

This wonderful scarf closely matches the bag and was donated by Jean Ahrens and her daughter Tuvan. Tickets for this beautiful scarf are $5.00 per ticket of 6 for $30.00

Karen Warner graciously cross stitched this lovely Santa (Christmas will be here before you know it) and set it in a lovely wood frame. Tickets for this beautiful cross stitched picture are $5.00 per ticket or 5 for $30.00.

Karen Warner also donated a children's book, Library Lil signed by the author.Tickets for this book are $2 per ticket or 6 for $10.00.

My coworker, Linda Jensen, is a very good crocheter and made this beautiful crocheted baby blanket. Tickets for this beautiful crocheted baby blanket are $5.00 per ticket or 6 for $30.00

Gretchen Healy donated mixture of native hand beaded earrings. Your choice of earrings - tickets $2.00 per ticket or 6 for $10.00.

Notice the cute little girl and boy.

Gretchen Healy also donated these lovely native hand beaded barrettes. Tickets are $2.00 or 6 for $10.00. Your choice.

This beautiful Angel candle holder will look lovely being displayed at Christmas or any time of the year. Tickets are $3.00 per ticket or 6 for $15.00.

Sally Snyder has donated a collectable piece from the Willow Tree Collection. This piece is called Love of Learning. Tickets for the item is $2.00 per ticket or 6 for $10.00

Sally also donated a collectable piece from the Charming Tails Collection called No One Tells It Like You.

Tickets for this item are $3.00 per ticket or 6 for $15.00

Sally Snyder also donated this beautiful collectable piece The Lord is my Strengthstatue by Perfectly Paisley

Mary Geibel has donated a gift certificate for 1 - 18 hole green fees with cart at the Heritage Hills Golf Course in McCook, NE. This certificate must be used by December 31, 2010. Tickets are $3 per ticket or 6 for $15.00.

Please send check to:
Fred Nehls Transplant Fund
C/O Maria Medrano-Nehls
1259 South 21st Street, Apt. 2
Lincoln, NE 68502

ENTER TO WIN!

Name: ____________________________
Address: __________________________
E-mail: ___________________________
Raffle Item: _______________________

DONATIONS
If you would rather give a donation instead of purchase raffle ticket you can send donations to:

Fred Nehls, Transplant Medical Expenses
1st National Bank of Omaha
134 S 13th St # 100
Lincoln, NE 68508

Please make checks payable to: Fred Nehls Transplant Medical Expenses.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2010

Call for a Helping Hand

Family and Friends,

As most of you know my husband is still waiting for a Liver Transplant which has caused many more medical complications for him. The longer we wait the sicker he becomes and the more it cost to care for him.

Now with my Lupus coming out of remission after 6 years I have missed even more work and have to take several more medications and see the doctors more often. Due to the complications that I am having from the Lupus I am missing quite a bit of work which is making it difficult to cover the daily living expenses, as well as medications (many are specialty drugs), doctors, and hospital copays.

Therefore, I am asking all of my family and friends if they have any items they would like to donate that I can use as a raffle item or maybe you would be willing to share this request with your friends to see if they would be willing to donate something.

Thanks for all of your help and continued friendship.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2010

Hi All,
First, I want to thank everyone who purchased raffle tickets or sent a donation. Every cent was appreciated and went to cover many medical expenses.

UPDATE

Fred has lost almost all if his ability to stand or walk without assistance from a walker, furniture, walls or a person. He suffers from terrible muscle cramps in his legs and hands and has many full body spasms that scare me to death. His body muscle is wasting away which makes it hard to get up from the couch, chair or bed without assistance. He has what the doctor’s call Flapping, in which his hands are usually flapping back and forth or shaking so bad that he can’t hold things. He can no longer control his body temperature so he is forever freezing.

His narcolepsy is getting worse and we find him asleep everywhere and anywhere. He continues to suffer from memory loss and still sleeps like the dead for days so that he can’t tell if he’s waking up the same day or another day so he’s always asking what day it is. His body no longer breaks down solid food so he lives on Ensure nutritional drinks. I asked my insurance and Medicare if they would cover the Ensure because it’s not cheap but both said “no” because it is sold over the counter.

This last week, Fred again fell but this time it was in the bathroom and he broke some ribs, sprained his wrist and is covered in so many bruises that he looks like someone beat him. We are trying to get the insurance to help cover the cost of a lift chair, small electric wheelchair or scooter, and other medical supplies that can make it easier for him to do things with a little less assistance but we’ve not heard anything yet.

As for me, stress, lack of sleep, and having no life has caught up with me. After 6-years of being in remission from Lupus; I have come out of remission and started to suffer from many things. First, I started suffering from headaches that started at the base of my head, went up to the top of the head and around to my temples. They made me so sick that I could hardly function. After lots of testing it was determined that I had inflammation in the blood vessels in my brain which was caused from the Lupus. I am once again suffering from joint pain that makes moving almost impossible somedays, unexplained rashes on my body and sores in my mouth. I managed to catch the flu and a sinus infection at the same time and seem to be fatigued most of the time.

In a month’s time I only worked two of the four weeks because the other two weeks I was too sick to get out of bed. Believe me all the tests and medications I’ve had in the last month are racking up another set of medical bills. I’m going own my body and soul to St. Elizabeth’s hospital and my doctors.

RAFFLE UPDATE

I’ll bet you thought that I had dropped the ball on the raffle but I didn’t. Due to Fred’s condition becoming worse and my own health taking a turn for the worse I simply didn’t have the time or the desire to do much of anything.

But, I had my friend, Teri Pope-Gonzales do the drawing this time and the winners are:
Karen Warner – Santa statue. Donated by Donna Hunter and Kathy Fischer

Nancy Escamilla – bronze statue of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. Donated by Jean Ahrens and her daughter, Thuvon.

Cynthia Taylor – Joel Sartore’s Book, Nebraska under a Big Red Sky. Donated by Joel Sartore.
Marilyn Gordon
– a Lladro statue

Nancy (Sally Snyder’s sister) – a Lladro statue

I still have the following items available as raffle items and hope someone out there would like to bid on them. If anyone has items they would like to donate to be used for the raffle I’d be grateful for them. If you have any idea’s for other fundraisers I would appreciate the information and maybe help to pull it off.

RAFFLE ITEMS STILL AVAILABLE

The two books donated by author, Judy Schachner. One book is titled Skippyjon Jones in the Dog-House with bonus CD included.

The other is Mrs. Emerson’s Cook.

Raffle tickets are $3.00 a piece or 4 for $10.00.

Three beautiful Prints of Original Paintings by Sandi Gore Evans. The prints can be purchased for $3.00 per ticket or 4 for $10. 00.

A beautifully illustrated, hard cover book of the Christmas Carol by Mark Summers can be purchased for $2.00 per raffle ticket or 6 for $10.00

Please send check to:

Fred Nehls Transplant Fund
C/O Maria Medrano-Nehls
1259 South 21st Street, Apt. 2
Lincoln, NE 68502

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Raffle Ticket
Name:_____________________________
Address:__________________________
E-mail:___________________________
Item:_____________________________
Thank you!

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2010

Update on Fred Nehls

It’s been awhile since I posted but have had a lot of things going on here. I hope your holidays were good and that you’re getting into the swing of the New Year. We spent Christmas snowed in from the blizzard but the boys were able to get to us so we were able to have Christmas together. We have had lots of snow this year.

I had hoped that this New Year would be a better one but unfortunately it
hasn’t. First, Fred developed a respiratory infection so I took him to the doctor and when we got home he slipped and fell and broke 3 ribs.

Then he went to sleep one night and the next day I could not get him to wake up. He was very lethargic and incoherent. When I tried to wake him he kept saying that he was making oatmeal. I called the doctor because I know that eventually Fred will fall into a coma before his organs shut down and the doctor prescribed medication to help get the ammonia level down to see if that would help. 24 hours later he was up but could barely move his legs.

The doctor determined that the ammonia has damaged a portion of his brain and his ability to walk has been affected. He can’t get himself up from the couch or bed. He can’t stand long without his knee’s buckling and he’s on the floor. Fred is becoming more frustrated and depressed. I have had to have him sign power of attorney to me because his short term memory is getting worse.

The doctor also said his liver and kidney functions have decreased. I have been in contact with the Medical Center and they have moved him up the list but we still have to wait for a liver that is a perfect match.

I cringe every time I have to take Fred to the doctor, hospital, or lab facility because I know that 20 % of the bill will be added to the thousands of dollars I already owe them but most of them have been kind and let me pay in payments that I can afford and others are not so kind.

I can tell you the stress is really starting to wear on me and some days I pray to the Lord for patience and guidance and other days I ‘m sure that he hates me and I’m being punished for something. My nerves are shot and I have lost feeling in the tips of my fingers from nerve damage which the doctors believe is caused from the Lupus. Yet, I keep going like the energizer bunny with a smile on my face and tears behind my eyes.

Thanks to all of you that have continued to support the raffle and donation of money and for all the hugs and messages letting me know that you continue to keep us in your prayers.

The two new items to raffle are books sent from Judy Schachner. One book is titled Skippyjon Jones in the Dog-House with bonus CD included.

The other is Mr. Emerson’s Cook.

Raffles are $3.00 a piece or 4 for $10.00.

I still have other items offered in earlier raffles due to the slow sale of tickets. The following items are still available for raffle.

Tickets for this wonderful book with color photos byJoel Sartore can be purchased for $2.00 apiece or 6 for $10.00.

Raffle tickets for this beautiful statue of Santa can be purchased for $5.00 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20. 00.

Raffle tickets for thebeautiful prints can be purchased for $5.00 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20. 00.

Tickets for the hard cover book of the Christmas Carol with color drawing illustrations by Mark Summers can be purchased for $2.00 apiece or 6 for $10.00

Raffle tickets for the beautiful statue of Mary, Joseph and Jesus can be purchased for $5.00 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20. 00. This statue is 9.5" H X 9.5" W and sold by Topland Trading for $119.00.

Raffle tickets for this beautiful LladróSpring is Here figurine can be purchased for $5.00 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20.00. Spring is Here Figurine – value $260, You can verify the price by going to the Lladró websitehttp://www.lladro.com/search/searchResults.jhtml?_requestid=243709.

Raffle tickets for this beautiful LladróDressing the Baby can be purchased for $5.00 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20. 00. This statue was issued in 1992 and retired in 2005.This figurine retails for $274 on the Lladró website but sells for $474 at The Collectors Shop, a Limited Edition Art and Collectables shop. Dressing the Baby Figurine – value $274 - $474.

Please send check to:

Fred Nehls Transplant Fund
C/O Maria Medrano-Nehls
1259 South 21st Street, Apt. 2
Lincoln, NE 68502

*****************************************************
Raffle Ticket
Name:_____________________________
Address:__________________________
E-mail:___________________________
Item:_____________________________
Thank you!

method="post">

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009

First, I would like to wish all of you the Happiest of Holidays. I would also like to thank those of you who have donated items for the raffles, purchased raffle tickets or donated money directly to the transplant fund. Fred and I would like to express our appreciation to each of you.

Unfortunately, the current raffle only got a few responses which did not even cover the cost of the items, therefore, I decided to extended the raffle until after the 1st of the the year.

I would like to give you a little update on Fred. For over a week I have noticed that Fred didn't want to get on his feet so when I checked his feet and legs they were very swollen and red. On Monday, I took Fred to see the specialist and it seems that his kidney functions are failing faster then expected. This puts a whole new urgency to get a liver transplant. The confusion and periods of dementia are becoming more frequently due to the high ammonia levels going to his brain.

Due to the stress I have developed ulcers and a infection in my lower intestine which is being treated with 4 different antibiotics. But my faith that God will continue to help me through this situation is still strong. I also want to thank all of you have helped me get through these rough times. Let us pray that next year will be better.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2009

UPDATE: Raffle Dates Extended

Due to the low number of raffle tickets purchased for any of the raffle items the drawing dates will be extended. Please look at the items listed in the previous post for items and extended drawing dates.

Fred and I would like to thank everyone who has donated an item for the raffle, purchased raffle tickets, made a monetary donation or kept us in their prayers.

We wish all of you a very Joyful and Merry Christmas!

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Update on Fred's Transplant

2010-09-15T17:50:00.004-05:00

Hi,
We are still at the UNMC hospital but Fred is doing much much better. He is up and walking with a walker and sometimes a cane, climbing stairs, eating, and doing all the things the doctors want to see. He is still running some low grade fevers but they said those are very common and nothing to worry about. They did say that if he continues feeling well (aside from the pain at the incision site) he will be able to go home soon.

We want to thank all those who have prayed for us, sent us cards, flowers,e-mails, phone calls, text messages, and helped us in numerous ways. You really find out who your friends are when you are down and I appreciate each and everyone of you more then you will every know.

To our sons, Scott and Jeff, I don't know what we would do with out you. Thanks for your love and all the things you do to help us. You are the joy of our lives and we have always been proud that you are our children. Love you both.

Hugs and kisses to my family who have been our rock. Don't know what we would do without all of you. We feel very blessed that you are in our lives. We love all of you very much! To Sheyllena and Linda, your pictures have a special place in uncle Fred's hospital room and will have a special place in our apartment when we get home.

A special thanks to Kathy Tooker for taking me to lunch and to do some shopping which provided me with some much needed time away from the hospital.before I went insane. A BIG thanks to some special people at the Nebraska Library Commission for covering the second half of this months insurance premium.

The minister and I said a very special prayer asking God to bless all the special people who have been there to help us us through one of the roughest times in our lives.

As you know being away from work has caused some financial hardships and soon we will have to figure out how to pay our 20% of the hospital bill. So I'm asking that you look at the post below which list several raffle items and information to donate to a special fund to help with the medical expenses. May God bless each of you and keep you safe and healthy.

Blessed,
Fred Nehls and Maria Medrano-Nehls

Check Out These Great Raffle Items

2010-07-28T17:30:00.022-05:00

I want to thank Ann and Jesse Medrano, Karen Warner, Linda Jensen, Sally Snyder, Mary Jackson, Mary Geibel, Jean Ahrens and her daughter Tuvan, Lisa Richardson, and 1st National Bank of Omaha for donating wonderful items to be raffled. I also have few items from the last raffle that would like to find a home.

NEW ITEM
Lisa Richardson, who is a Mary Kay consultant donated a TimeWise Miracle Set valued at $90.00.

Karen Warner also donated a children's book, Library Lil signed by the author.Tickets for this book are $2 per ticket or 6 for $10.00.

My coworker, Linda Jensen, is a very good crocheter and made this beautiful crocheted baby blanket. Tickets for this beautiful crocheted baby blanket are $5.00 per ticket or 6 for $30.00

Gretchen Healy donated mixture of native hand beaded earrings. Your choice of earrings - tickets $2.00 per ticket or 6 for $10.00.

Notice the cute little girl and boy.

Gretchen Healy also donated these lovely native hand beaded barrettes. Tickets are $2.00 or 6 for $10.00. Your choice.

This beautiful Angel candle holder will look lovely being displayed at Christmas or any time of the year. Tickets are $3.00 per ticket or 6 for $15.00.

Sally Snyder also donated this beautiful collectable piece The Lord is my Strength statue by Perfectly Paisley

Mary Geibel has donated a gift certificate for 1 - 18 hole green fees with cart at the Heritage Hills Golf Course in McCook, NE. This certificate must be used by December 31, 2010. Tickets are $3 per ticket or 6 for $15.00.

Please send check to:
Fred Nehls Transplant Fund
C/O Maria Medrano-Nehls
1259 South 21st Street, Apt. 2
Lincoln, NE 68502

ENTER TO WIN!

Name: ____________________________
Address: __________________________
E-mail: ___________________________
Raffle Item: _______________________

DONATIONS
If you would rather give a donation instead of purchase raffle ticket you can send donations to:

Fred Nehls, Transplant Medical Expenses
1st National Bank of Omaha
134 S 13th St # 100
Lincoln, NE 68508

Please make checks payable to: Fred Nehls Transplant Medical Expenses.

Call for a Helping Hand

2010-06-16T11:35:00.000-05:00

2010-05-19T16:46:00.002-05:00

Update on Fred Nehls

2010-02-08T12:39:00.009-06:00

Raffles are $3.00 a piece or 4 for $10.00.

I still have other items offered in earlier raffles due to the slow sale of tickets. The following items are still available for raffle.

Tickets for this wonderful book with color photos by Joel Sartore can be purchased for $2.00 apiece or 6 for $10.00.

Raffle tickets for this beautiful statue of Santa can be purchased for $5.00 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20. 00.

Raffle tickets for the beautiful prints can be purchased for $5.00 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20. 00.

Tickets for the hard cover book of the Christmas Carol with color drawing illustrations by Mark Summers can be purchased for $2.00 apiece or 6 for $10.00

Raffle tickets for the beautiful statue of Mary, Joseph and Jesus can be purchased for $5.00 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20. 00. This statue is 9.5" H X 9.5" W and sold by Topland Trading for $119.00.

Raffle tickets for this beautiful Lladró Spring is Here figurine can be purchased for $5.00 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20.00. Spring is Here Figurine – value $260, You can verify the price by going to the Lladró website http://www.lladro.com/search/searchResults.jhtml?_requestid=243709.

Raffle tickets for this beautiful Lladró Dressing the Baby can be purchased for $5.00 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20. 00. This statue was issued in 1992 and retired in 2005.This figurine retails for $274 on the Lladró website but sells for $474 at The Collectors Shop, a Limited Edition Art and Collectables shop. Dressing the Baby Figurine – value $274 - $474.

Please send check to:

Fred Nehls Transplant Fund
C/O Maria Medrano-Nehls
1259 South 21st Street, Apt. 2
Lincoln, NE 68502

*****************************************************
Raffle Ticket
Name:_____________________________
Address:__________________________
E-mail:___________________________
Item:_____________________________
Thank you!

method="post">

2009-12-24T10:48:00.002-06:00

UPDATE: Raffle Dates Extended

2009-11-30T15:23:00.003-06:00

Update on Fred Nehls Condition and NEW Raffle Items

2009-11-16T15:18:00.013-06:00

Hello All,
Thought I would give you a quick update on Fred and show you the additional new items donated for the raffle.

First, let me say that Fred continues to have his good days and his bad days. Keeping up his spirits is getting harder to do. The longer he waits for his transplant the more his spirits lower. I keep telling him I have enough strength, faith, and positive attitude for the both of us and will not allow him to give up.

Fred did have a nasty fall a couple of weeks ago and injured his ribs and was getting better but then he fell again last night and reinjured his ribs. I hope the doctor doesn't think I'm abusing him. We have had trouble finding anyone or place to give him an H1N1 vaccination so he continues to wait for the Lincoln Health Dept. to let us know when they have some vaccinations. He continues to have small amounts of blood on his pillowcases but the doctor says not to worry that this is common and placed him on iron and periodically gets infusions of platelets.

As for me...I have my strong days and days that I lean on my faith, family, and my good friends to get me through the rough patches. Don't know what I would do without my mother, sisters, brothers and my good friends: Belinda Harris, Sally Snyder, Jean Ahrens, Carol Spencer, Mary Geibel, Kathy Fisher, and her sister Donna, my nieces (who always call, write, or e-mail) Olivia, Misty, Lisa, and Glenda, and of course my sons, Scott and Jeff, who do so much to help us and make things easier for me to focus on Fred.

I'd also like to thank those wonderful Nebraska Librarians, Library Staff,System Administrators, Commissioners (past and present), and Media Specialist who have keep Fred and I in their thoughts and prayers and made donations or purchased raffle tickets.

When my faith begins to weaken someone always seems to come forward that makes me remember that God will not forget me. I have been blessed to meet some wonderful people...I call them my gifts from God. Thanks to all of you!!

As for the new items donated to the raffle, I would like to thank Donna Hunter and Kathy Fisher for the wonderful prints by Sandi Gore Evans and the great Santa stature that can be used inside or outside. I'd also like to thank Joel Sartore, a wonderful photographer who's taken photos for National Geographic and many photos that he puts into his books.
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Nebraska Under aBig Red Sky by Joel Sartore

Tickets for this wonderful book with color photos by Joel Sartore can be purchased for $2.00 apiece or 6 for $10.00. Drawing will be held December 20.

Santa Statue

Raffle tickets for this beautiful statue of Santa can be purchased for $5.00 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20. 00. Drawing will be December 20.

Prints of Original Paintings by Sandi Gore Evans
Sandi Gore Evans' life was dedicated to making art that would reflect the simple joys and honest pleasures of our world. Inspired by her loving family, close friends and cozy Midwestern home, she used her brushes and pens to express a bit of the wonder that she always found in everyday life. Delighting in the beauty of simple things, Sandi's art offers a fresh outlook to life. Her characters are sure to bring out the smiles in everyone. Sandi passed away Sepember 20, 2002 from cancer.

Raffle tickets for these beautiful prints can be purchased for $5.00 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20. 00. Drawing will be December 20.

DONATIONS
If you would rather give a donation instead of purchase raffle ticket you can send donations to:
Fred Nehls, Transplant Medical Expenses
1st National Bank of Omaha
134 S 13th St # 100
Lincoln, NE 68508
Please make checks payable to: Fred Nehls Transplant Medical Expenses.

You can also use Paypal:
or...

Raffle Tickets for Raffle Items

Raffle Ticket

Name:____________________________________
Address:_________________________________
E-mail:__________________________________
Item:____________________________________

Thank you!

Please send check for raffle tickets to:
Fred Nehls Transplant Fund
C/O Maria Medrano-Nehls
1259 South 21st Street, Apt. 2
Lincoln, NE 68502

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Update on Fred Nehls Condition and NEW Raffle

2009-10-21T10:29:00.016-05:00

Changes made on this blog.

Hi All,

Thought I would give you an update on Fred and let you know about the new raffle we are doing to assist in raising money needed to cover the things not paid by insurance. These are items that are a must have or a great gift for Christmas.
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First, let me say that Fred is holding steady but continues to have little things happening that require doctor or hospital care. This week’s incident was waking up to see blood all over his pillow and side of the bed and found it coming out of his mouth while he slept. I woke him up and called the doctor who decided that Fred needed to be seen immediately at the hospital. After some x-rays and an ultrasound it was determined that a blood vessel in Fred’s esophagus had burst filling his stomach with blood. They said it was good thing I caught it since people can bleed out and die if not caught quick enough.

A quick surgery was done and then the next day they withdrew fluid and blood from his abdomen. He is up and moving, ready to eat solid food, and ready to go home. Thanks to everyone who continue to keep him in your prayers.

And as luck would have it all the stress finally caught up with me and triggered my Lupus to flare. I haven’t had a flare-up that strong in quite awhile so I had to go to the doctor for an injection of anti-inflammatory medication and will do my monthly infusion tomorrow.
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Okay…now to the good stuff. I would like to thank Jean Ahrens and her daughter Thuvan for donating the lovely statue of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, I would also like to thank Carol Spencer for donating two lovely Lladró statues.

I will also have a donated book by Nebraska’s Joel Sartore, who does some wonderful wildlife photography. Joel has done several assignments for National Geographic and other well known magazines. Check-out Joel’s website to see his work by visiting http://www.joelsartore.com/. Book will be delivered next week and then I will add the book cover to the blog.
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This wonderful hardback copy of the book, A Christmas Carol,is illustrated by Mark Summers. Mark is well known for his part in Nickelodeon's Double Dare What Would You Do? Summers has also hosted ABC's Home Show, Lifetime's Our Home and Biggers and Summers, and most recently, PAX-TV's Great Day America.

Tickets for this hard cover book with color drawing illustrations by Mark Summers can be purchased for $2.00 apiece or 6 for $10.00. Drawing will be held December 20 .
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This beautiful bronze statue was donated by Jean Ahrens and her daughter Thuvan. Thuvan and Jean own and operate Turtle Moon at the Monument Mall in Scottsbluff, NE. They carry imported clothing, gifts, and silver jewelry. If you’re in Scottsbluff stop by and see Thuvan and Jean.

This statue is 9.5" H X 9.5" W and sold by Topland Trading for $119.00.

Raffle tickets for this beautiful statue of Mary, Joseph and Jesus can be purchased for $5.00 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20. 00. Drawing will be December 20.
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The next two items were donated by Carol Spencer of Broken Bow. Carol collects figurines by Lladró of Spain and graciously donated two figurines.

The first figurine is called Spring is Here. This figurine is 6 ¾" x 4". The statue was issued in 1984 and is still purchased by many collectors. This figurine retails in the Lladró catalog for $260. You can verify the price by going to the Lladró website http://www.lladro.com/search/searchResults.jhtml?_requestid=243709.

Spring is Here Figurine – value $260

Raffle tickets for this beautiful Lladró Spring is Here figurine can be purchased for $5.00 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20.00. Drawing will be held on December 20.
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The second figurine is called Dressing the Baby and is 7 ¾" x 6 ¾". This statue was issued in 1992 and retired in 2005.This figurine retails for $274 on the Lladró website but sells for $474 at The Collectors Shop, a Limited Edition Art and Collectables shop.

Dressing the Baby Figurine – value $274 - $474.

Raffle tickets for this beautiful Lladró Dressing the Baby can be purchased for $5.00 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20. 00. Drawing will be held on December 10.

Check back next week to see what new items have been added.
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Please send check to:

Fred Nehls Transplant Fund
C/O Maria Medrano-Nehls
1259 South 21st Street, Apt. 2
Lincoln, NE 68502

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Raffle Ticket
Name:_____________________________
Address:__________________________
E-mail:___________________________
Item:_____________________________
Thank you!
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Posted 10-21-09

Raffle Winner's Announced

2009-09-22T09:30:00.002-05:00

Thanks to everyone who purchased raffle tickets to assist the Fred Nehls Transplant Fund. Your help was greatly appreciated. I will be posting new items to be raffled in the next few weeks so be sure to keep visiting http://fredstransplant.blogspot.com.

Winner's

Handmade Quilt: Olivia Guerra, North Platte, NE
Bed & Breakfast Package: Sheila Burdock, Lincoln, NE
$100 Pamper Chef Gift Certificate: Thuvan Tillman, Scottsbluff, NE

Update on Fred Nehls (8-28-09)

2009-08-28T16:13:00.001-05:00

Thought I would post an update on Fred's medical condition. Yesterday, Fred went in for exploratory surgery and while they were looking they found two polyps which they removed and will have them tested, they also banded off a couple of veins in esophagus and fixed some blood vessels to route blood to his kindeys instead of through his liver.

Unfortunately, he has not been able to keep down any fluid or food so we had to take him back to the hospital today. The doctor said that it looks like his esophagus is really swollen. Not much they can do fo that except spray some stuff down his throat and wait for the swelling to go down. I'll update again when the results of the ployps are received.

Thanks to all of you who have kept us in your prayers, donated to the medical fund or purchased raffles.

Another Raffle Item

2009-07-30T14:56:00.011-05:00

For those of you who love to cook and like to buy new kitchen items this new raffle item is for you. Bobby Mayo, a friend of my niece Misty, has graciously donated a $100 Pamper Chef gift certificate. If you've ever looked at the Pamper Chef merchandise book you know there are many things which would be helpful in your kitchen or would be great Christmas or birthday gifts. Raffle tickets for this gift certificate are $2 for one or 6 for $10. Remember to checkout the other great raffle items.

Please send check to:
Fred Nehls Transplant Fund
C/O Maria Medrano-Nehls
1259 South 21st Street, Apt. 2
Lincoln, NE 68502

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Raffle Ticket

Name:___________________________

Address:__________________________

E-mail:___________________________

Item:_____________________________

Thank you!

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Update on Fred's Condition

2009-07-17T20:59:00.005-05:00

Hi,
Many of you have asked how Fred is doing so I thought I would place periodic updates on this blog.

Last month, the doctors were able to figure out that the reason he is always sleeping is because he has developed narcolepsy. He is also having trouble breathing and the pulmonary specialist said he has COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) due to the fact that his liver can't filter fluid or waste so it sits in his abdomen and causes his liver and spleen to enlarge and pushes the lungs up and backs into the blood vessels in the esophagus which causes difficulty breathing and swallowing. He continues to have short-term memory loss and confusion.

We continue to hope and pray that he will get a new liver sometime soon. We appreciate all the prayers, thoughts, and help you have given us. I especially want to give a very special thanks to three very special people and good friends, Jean Ahrens, Belinda Harris and Sally Snyder. Jean, Belinda and Sally are one of those special people that God places in your life to help you with your struggles and remind you that he has not forsaken you. Thanks for all that you do!

Please notice the message below: we have begun our fundraising to assist in Fred's medical bills. These two raffles are wonderful items and we hope to continue to do raffles with different items. We will also be doing special events like a pancake feed and chili feed. If you have any items you would like to donate for a raffle or if you have any ideas for future events, please let me know.

Remember to check out the raffles below.

Maria Medrano-Nehls (July 17, 2009)

A Message From Maria Medrano-Nehls

2009-07-17T16:03:00.002-05:00

As some of you know – my husband Fred has been on a liver transplant list for over a year. We have been told that the surgery will cost approximately $450,000. This cost does not include the cost of assisting surgery staff or medication and other medical supplies needed upon release. My insurance and his Medicare will cover a lot of the cost but our out-of- pocket expense will still run over $10,000.

Also, part of our agreement with the UNMC Transplant Center is that the care taker (ME) must stay at the facility as long as the patient does because they teach you how to care for the transplant patient. This will allow you to be confident to care for your patient when you get home. This means that I MUST take off 6-8 weeks of work. I have completed the paper work for an unpaid Family Leave of Absence. Since I have no vacation or sick time left I will have NO income during this time. I was encourage to start some fundraising events to raise money to assist with the medical expenses as well as my health insurance which I must pay while on leave and to cover the expenses it will take to keep our home and vehicle running until I go back to work and get a paycheck.
In order to help me with expenses I have set up a special account at 1st National Bank of Omaha and a couple of people have offered to help me by offering various things to be raffled. Please share this information with family and friends.

DONATIONS
Donations can be sent to:
Fred Nehls, Transplant Medical Expenses
1st National Bank of Omaha
134 S 13th St # 100
Lincoln, NE 68508
Please make checks payable to: Fred Nehls Transplant Medical Expenses.

RAFFLES
B&B Package - My sister-in-law owns a beautiful bed & breakfast in the Amana Colonies in Iowa. She has offered a package which includes a one-night stay at Annie’s Garden Guest House, a historical 1893 elegant B&B which offers a full home-cooked breakfast, gardens, patios, Wi-Fi, bicycles and private bathrooms. (http://www.ia-bednbreakfast-inns.com/AnniesGarden.htm), a $50 gift card to Ronneburg Restaurant (http://www.ronneburgrestaurant.com/) and two (2) tickets to The Old Creamery Theatre Company (http://www.oldcreamery.com/) tickets must be used by December 20, 2009.

If you’ve never visited the Amana Colonies (http://www.amanacolonies.com/) you are missing out on one of the greatest places in Iowa. The beauty of the Amana Colonies is the history of one of America’s longest lived communal societies. The Colonies begin in 1714 in the villages of Germany and continues today on the Iowa prairie. The Amana Colonies have stayed true to their heritage and strive to keep their villages as they were in Germany. You will see historical brick streets, stone and clapboard homes with their beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, and their antiqued lanterns. There are many things to see and do in the Amana Colonies so don’t miss out on this great package to visit this beautiful area.

Raffle tickets for this package are: $5.00 for one or 4 for $15.00.

Handmade Quilt – This beautiful handmade quilt was made and donated by Cindy Done. Cindy makes a quilt a week and has made more than 500 handmade quilts in the past nine years. This quilt is 63” x 51” which would work great for a twin bed, lap blanket, or wall hanging. Below are pictures of the quilt.

This picture shows you the whole pattern.

This is a close up of the design.

Raffle tickets for the quilt are: $5.00 for one or 4 for $15.00.

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Fred Nehls
Transplant Medical Expenses RAFFLE
$5.00 per ticket or 4 for $15
Raffle to be held September 15, 2009. Winners need not be present to win.

Name: _______________________________
Address: _____________________________
_______________________________________
E-mail: _______________________________
Item: __________________________________
Thank You!

Please make checks payable to:
Maria Medrano-Nehls
1259 South 21st Street, Apt. 2
Lincoln, NE 68502

Fred’s Transplant

Help Needed to Hold Fundraiser for Fred Nehls Medical Expenses

Update On Fred's Recovery

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2010

Call for a Helping Hand

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2010

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2010

Update on Fred Nehls

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2009

UPDATE: Raffle Dates Extended

A MESSAGE FROM MARIA MEDRANO-NEHLS

FOLLOWERS

Update on Fred's Transplant

Check Out These Great Raffle Items

Call for a Helping Hand

Update on Fred Nehls

UPDATE: Raffle Dates Extended

Update on Fred Nehls Condition and NEW Raffle Items

Update on Fred Nehls Condition and NEW Raffle

Raffle Winner's Announced

Update on Fred Nehls (8-28-09)

Another Raffle Item

Update on Fred's Condition

A Message From Maria Medrano-Nehls