“Every day is a gift. I’ve learned to take one day at a time,” professed Laurie Parsons of Fargo. She was born with a rare medical condition preventing her body from removing excess copper. In 1988, her disease progressed rapidly; she hemorrhaged, coded and was life flighted from Fargo to Minneapolis for a life-saving liver transplant.  For the past 36 years, Laurie has been taking anti-rejection medications and has had to make regular trips back to the University of Minnesota/Fairview for follow-up care.  

“I’m grateful for the transplant because I’ve been given a second chance at life,” noted Laurie.  “The medical costs have been so expensive.  There are times when I’ve had to work two jobs just to pay insurance.”

Her husband noticed NDAD’s Fargo location one winter while he was doing downtown snow removal and got to know more about the services. After a short application process, Laurie was approved for direct financial assistance through the North Dakota Organ Transplant Fund administered by NDAD. 

This fund was established by the North Dakota legislature in 1991 to provide funds to help individuals alleviate demonstrated financial needs related to costs associated with transplant operations not normally covered by insurance.

“For a while, I was paying for everything without the assistance of NDAD. I was working a lot of hours, and it was hard on my body,” she stated. Laurie went on to share that she’s been on disability and has gradually been able to work again. “It was hard to make ends meet. I never expected NDAD to help as much as they have been able to do.” 

NDAD has helped Laurie over the years with the costs of her prescriptions. They’ve also supported her travel needs when she needs to travel back to the University of Minnesota for appointments and procedures. 

Laurie said that everyone with a need should ask questions and apply. “It’s worth it. [NDAD] has been a lifesaver for me and takes the extra weight of some of these costs off my shoulders,” she said.  “From short-term medical equipment needs to long-term needs like mine, NDAD is good for the community. They are outstanding.”