Church Hill, Tenn. — (WCYB) A Hawkins County woman is in critical need of a liver transplant. So much so, her family purchased a billboard to raise awareness and hoping to find a donor.
Driving down main street in Church Hill, you can't miss this unique billboard.
"If I do not get a liver transplant, my liver will eventually completely shut down and so I will end up in ICU and worst case scenario, I will die without a liver," April Stapleton said.
Last year, she was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver.
She needs a portion of a liver and can't find anyone that's a match.
There are many qualifications for the donor, like being the same blood type and being in good health.
They must also be a certain age.
"You think of all the people I know, someone is going to be a match. But other things keep cancelling them out and knocking them off the list," she said.
So, she decided to advertise her critical need.
April said a portion of the donor's liver will be removed and will replace hers.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the donor's liver will regenerate back to its full size..
April's mom Patricia is pleading for someone to come forward and donate.
"People don't want to lose their kids. Tthe mom and dad should go before the kids go. I don't know what I'd do without her," Patricia Arnold said.
Due to her health and age, she can't be a donor for April.
"I just wish somebody would help," she said.
April realizes this is a huge commitment, but she isn't losing hope.
"I just got married two years ago. My niece is about to turn 9 years old. I have a lot to do. I don't want to miss out on any of that," April said.
She is also raising money to help pay the donor to replace any salary they would miss from work.
If you would like more information, go to Give.transplants.org/goto/aprilstapleton
To find out if you can help, contact 423-292-3929.