The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Charlotte LaTray-Vermillion thought the day was just like any other and the flu like symptoms she had was just another cold. This went on for three days, thinking her symptoms were finally going to ease up, she realized it was just getting worse after she noticed blood in her vomit. Not only were the symptoms becoming alarming, but this was also going on right at the start of the Covid outbreak. Charlotte decided it was time to be seen by a professional. After waiting for almost an entire day in the ER she was finally seen. There she spent 3 weeks in the hospital where she needed to have extensive tests ran. She then went to Tulsa Hospital for another 2 weeks. Finally, after 5 weeks away she was able to rest in her own bed again. Although that didn't make things too much easier. Charlotte found out that she has end stage liver disease and needs a liver transplant. She must now make visits to her team of doctors every other month. These visits last for a week with many tests and many doctors including having 63 vials drawn while there. This amazing team of doctors made up of 16 members are 3 hours away at OU Health in Oklahoma City. Charlotte has been blessed with an amazing team, from their bedside manner to keeping her informed. Charlotte said, "I absolutely love my dermatologist, she's always telling jokes, making me laugh, and just makes me feel good about myself."

Now she is suffering from brain fog and can't do as much as she used to let alone work the hours she did before. Hopefully after the transplant she can get back to herself. Her road to recovery after a transplant will be a long, tough one. Thankfully she has her amazing parter Jon by her side though it all, along with so much support from friends and family. Charlotte will have a 3-month hospital stay at OU Health after the transplant surgery, then she will move to local care for up to 6 months where she and Jon will quarantine to monitor and make sure her body doesn't reject the new organ. If healing goes well and the body accepts its new organ, then she will finally get to go back home where she can rest and finish her recovery.

Charlottes' amazing family and friends have put together a benefit to help her with the cost of medical care, gas, food, and lodging for before and after the transplant. The benefit will be held September 16th at the Chinook Eagles. You can enjoy Indian Tacos, Mexican Chili, and live music. There will also be a silent auction from 5pm – 7pm, with many amazing prizes from so many generous people. The band, Bad Habit, will be preforming at 8pm, they have also donated their entire night. Talking to Charlotte and her daughter Chey they couldn't believe the amount of help and support they have been getting. Chey said "We've gotten so many awesome donations, gift cards, and so many people willing to help. It's insane."

Charlotte may not live in Chinook anymore, but our "Small Town, Big Community" sure has stepped up for her.