Lyndsay Richholt’s loved ones are hopeful that the Kelowna mom will be scheduled for a life-saving liver transplant surgery soon.
The latest development in her struggle with autoimmune hepatitis was being admitted to Kelowna General Hospital earlier this week after her symptoms worsened.
Krystal Watson, a friend, advocate and spokesperson for the 42-year-old, told KelownaNow that Richholt’s condition has become increasingly severe.
“Due to her illness, she is no longer able to consume enough nutrients through food to sustain her body properly,” she explained.
“Combined with a recently prescribed medication, this has now led to acute kidney failure, adding another critical and life-threatening complication to her already fragile condition.”
Watson says Richholt is receiving essential care at KGH, but the hospital environment poses additional risks during cold and flu season for someone who is in such frail condition.
“This situation is urgent. Lyndsay needs a transplant as soon as possible,” she added.
“She struggles to keep food down and experiences significant pain, including severe cramping and persistent headaches. Each passing day without a transplant takes a greater toll on her body and her quality of life.”
It was just over three weeks ago that Richholt and her loved ones were told by BC Transplant that there were two approved liver donors ready to go, along with 21 backup donors on the waitlist.
While they were expecting to learn of the surgery date in early February, they ran into the same sort of struggles they faced throughout much of 2025 with BC Transplant’s slow-moving action.
“It is imperative that BC Transplant moves as quickly as possible,” urged Watson.
“Unfortunately, the pace so far has not reflected the level of urgency required to support Lyndsay in proceeding with the transplant while she is still strong enough to survive and recover successfully.”
Another advocate for Richholt over the past number of months has been Kelowna Centre MLA Kristina Loewen, who sat down with NowMedia video host Jim Csek to provide an update this week.
She is once again calling on BC Transplant and relevant health authorities to take immediate action to ensure Richholt gets her surgery before its too late.
“British Columbians are being told the Minister responsible won’t intervene because she doesn’t want people to lose confidence in the system,” claimed Loewen in a written statement issued Thursday.
“But how can any British Columbian have confidence in a system that treats Lyndsey like this, where urgent, life-and-death care is met with silence, delays, and broken follow-through?”
Loewen told Csek that Richholt and her loved ones have been met with “radio silence” many times during their ordeal.
“A system that cannot communicate, cannot follow its own timelines and cannot provide answers is not a system that deserves blind confidence, it’s a system that demands urgent accountability and immediate action,” said the MLA.
Watson says Richholt’s loved ones continue to hope that sharing her story will help bring attention to the reality that patients like her face while waiting for life-saving treatment.
