Area residents have spent the summer months participating in fundraisers to assist area resident Pamela Poland with paying for a liver transplant.

Poland, 51, was diagnosed with non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver in 2007. She has a family history of liver disease and also suffers from portal hypertension and an enlarged spleen. Doctors say her only hope for a second chance at life is a liver transplant.

Poland stated she currently is covered by insurance but she is only in the system. She stated that in order to get on the list for a transplant she must get even more sick than what she is currently. She said her insurance will run out at the end of next year and may have to have the $300,000 up front.

"I am very grateful for everything the communities in the area are doing for me and supporting this transplant," she said.

According to the National Foundation for Transplants, the average surgery costs $500,000 and $5,000 a month for medications that will prevent her body from rejecting the new liver.

Tickets have been and are currently being sold for a Yamaha Rhino and the drawing will take place on Nov. 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Legends Cafe and More where the winner will be whoever wins the West Virginia Pick 4 Lottery.

On Nov. 7 and 8, a softball tournament will be held in Follansbee. There also are plans for a Children's Christmas Party on Dec. 5 which will serve lunch, host games and a visit with Santa Claus.

Some of the prior events held to help raise money include the Gospel Fest at Weirton Heights Memorial Baptist Church, the Win a Hand for Pam Poker Run, a booth at the Weirton Renaissance Festival, Brooke County Fair, New Cumberland River Fest and the Wellsburg Apple Fest, Tucker United Methodist Church in Paris, Pa., Follansbee Softball Tournaments, and the Follansbee Christmas in the Park.

"We'd like to thank all of our sponsors and those assisting in each of these events," stated Debbie Lorello.

For more information on these events or to purchase tickets, contact Lorello at (304) 748-6637.

(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)