Updated Wednesday September 18 – 11 p.m
Steven Uva’s wife Anna updated Lower Bucks Source regarding Steven’s upcoming surgery and wanted to share it with the community.
Our original story covering what th Uva family is facing is below this update.
“Some things that not everyone may realize is health is an important part of a living donor liver transplant. Although we have a miracle of a donor willing to donate part of their liver to my husband we did receive sad news today that the surgery will be postponed until October 1st now as the donor is currently ill. We hope they get better soon and truly appreciate their continued sacrifice to help Steven. Although we are sad we are relieved the donor caught things early it seems and will make a full recovery soon enough so we may continue with the transplant process.”
Anna, also, in her Facebook message, thanked all for the support received to date and, with appreciation, also asked all who can, please continue to share the message.
An update also to the Barkann Foundation Eagle raffle event, which included Eagle tickets and gear, the raffle is now over, winners were named and a huge thank you to everyone who generously donated in Support of The Uva Family. The Eagles Raffle raised $4,060.00 for the Uva Family.
**Original Story**
A Levittown family is hoping the surrounding community can help while the father prepares and recovers from a liver transplant operation next month.
Steven Uva, husband to Anna and father of three, was diagnosed with an autoimmune liver disease, in his early teens. The disease is a chronic condition occurring when the body’s immune system attacks the liver causing inflammation . This can lead to liver damage, swelling, and redness. If left untreated, the inflammation can cause cirrhosis, which is also known as liver failure or end-stage liver disease. Cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer and the only cure is organ transplantation, experts say.
Talking of the surgery, his wife, Anna, said, “it was a matter of when, not if.”
In this time of unknowns, Anna expressed her overwhelming gratitude for the support she has received, while also being concerned about her family and the future. Anna wants to return to work in a month to avoid a financial crisis, but is uncertain as there can be complications. Apart from the surgery, the first three months are the most difficult because of the possibility of rejection. It is expected that recovery will take up to a year.
A blended family full of love, they have three children between them, and there are no stepparents. In the eyes of the children, they are mom and dad. While the children are nervous about their dad and trying to cope with the fact that mom will be away more often, they are so supportive. It is always a pleasure for them to take care of their dad who has bad days and they are never upset when they are unable to do anything because he is not feeling well.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family and fundraiser events are currently being organized.
During a conversation about the goal on the GoFundMe page, Anna said it took a lot for her to agree. Despite her reluctance to ask for help, her family and friends convinced her to do so. While the goal of $10,000 won’t be enough, she and her family appreciate any and all help they receive.
In support of Anna and her family, the Barkann Foundation is holding a raffle event. Since football season is back, four prizes involve Eagle tickets and gear. Click here (Facebook page) for more information on the raffle and prize descriptions. Update – ***Now Closed***
Another fundraiser event is one that Steven’s family created for September 21 which is titled Basket Bingo Raffle Support for the Uva Family. Click here (Facebook page) for more information on the event.
