By By Sharon White/The Meridian Star
March 11, 2001
When Meridian native Larry Stodard receives the liver transplant he needs to live, it likely will be one of the happiest moments of his life.
But it will also be a sad time, according to members of his Meridian family.
Stodard moved to Louisiana as a child. He has been at Loyola University Medical Center in Naywood, Ill., since Feb. 24., awaiting the liver that will replace his 90 percent-non-functioning organ. He is No. 1 on the list of candidates for a replacement, according to hospital officials.
Rahaim said her brother was diagnosed with hepatitis "C" nearly two years ago. The disease is not only hurting him but also their father, Clifton "Shine" Stodard, a life-long Meridian resident.
Rahaim said a benefit bank account has been to help finance the surgery. The account has been established at Great Southern National Bank by members of Long Creek Baptist Church. Donations are being accepted at all GSNB locations in Stodard's name.
Members of Long Creek community have also set aside March 31 as a day for a blood drive that will be used in a swap-out situation, according to Bill Herring, community relations director at United Blood Services.
He said liver-replacement surgery calls for a minimum of 50 units of blood.
The drive for Stodard has been set for March 31 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Long Creek Community Center. Sponsors of the drive are Mount Horeb Baptist Church, Long Creek Baptist Church and Pleasant Hill Methodist Church.
To find out more about donating for Stodard or for local patients, contact UBS at 482-2482.
Sharon White is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at swhite@themeridianstar.com.