Community Theatre Actress In Need of Liver Transplant [UPDATED]

Nicole Thomas Bard is a lovely and talented community theatre actress and backstage volunteer. I have followed her theatrical career. Mrs. Bard played Laura in THE GLASS MENAGERIE at the Thomaston Opera House and appeared in the ensemble of RAGTIME with her husband (and a very young CJ Janis in his stage premiere) at the Warner Theatre.

Click to read about a fundraiser to be held at Arts at Angeloria's in Southington.

I have also followed the milestones in her personal life. I posted my best wishes when she married fellow community theatre actor Peter Bard on a chilly Sunday afternoon at Saint Clements Castle in Portland, CT. Mr. Bard appeared in HAIRSPRAY, DISNEY'S MARY POPPINS, and A CHRISTMAS CAROL with Landmark Community Theatre.

I shared my congratulations when she delivered twins in 2017 and the family expanded overnight to four.

Now this lovely young woman is in need of help from those who have enjoyed her performances and all who love her. Mrs. Bard has a damaged liver from a rare liver disease called Primary Sclerosing Cholengitis (PCS) and a friend has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser on behalf of her devoted husband that will benefit the family in their time of need. If there are any excess funds, the couple will make a donation to the transplantation center.

From the GoFundMe page:

Friend Nicole Bard is 31 years young. She is a mother to two adorable twins (Grace & Elliot) and the wife of a hard-working & devoted husband (Peter). She is a cherished daughter & sister, and a beloved & trusted friend. She is a dedicated employee, and a light to all those whom she encounters. *** She is a woman with a golden heart who happens to have a damaged liver from a rare liver disease called Primary Sclerosing Cholengitis (PCS).

*** Nicole is currently on the liver transplant waiting list. Her team of doctors is working diligently to find her a living donor so that her transplant surgery can be scheduled for as soon as possible. *** Any money collected will go towards medical bills, lost wages for the Bard family, and any other expenses that may arise throughout Nicole's liver transplant surgery and recovery. *** In the event of excess funds, Nicole's hope is to make a donation to the transplantation center for future transplant recipients. *** We appreciate you beyond measure.

Back in June, Mrs. Bard posted this information about her condition:

People often say to me "you don't look sick". This is called Jaundice, it's a yellowing of the skin and eyes, and is probably the only way you would be able to tell I am ill, other than me looking tired. There are many chronic illnesses that we call invisible diseases, because on the outside we look fine. Often, people with liver disease have no symptoms so they don't even know they have it, until they are very sick and need a transplant. There are thousands of people waiting for liver transplants, and many are too sick for a living donor like I am lucky enough to have as an option. #livingdonorssavelives#liverdiseaseawareness

This week, Mrs. Bard posted the GoFundMe link on her Facebook page with her gratitude:

Many of you have graciously asked Peter and me for fundraiser information as we face my upcoming liver transplant. My amazing friend Christina has taken responsibility, and has created a GoFundMe for us. We cannot express how grateful we are for all of your love and support through this challenge. Can't wait for you all to see me healthy and thriving again!

The donations total stands as $3,060 raised of $30,000 goal. I will continue to update the amount pledged frequently.