For Teeka Sailors, 49, every minute counts. She has been told by doctors that she needs a liver transplant within five months, according to friend and Snellville resident Kathy Hildebrand, or her chances for survival are slim.

Sailors' church family at Killian Hill Baptist Church have formed a group called "Team Teeka", and are planning a number of fundraisers for her. Even with the transplant, she will need to be on immune-suppressant medications for the rest of her life. On average, these cost around $20,600 to $32,900 per year, according to the Georgia Transplant Foundation.

"We really need the community to step and help save her life," said Hildebrand.

On Wednesday night, March 6, Sailors was rushed to Piedmont hospital for internal bleeding. While she is currently stable and recovering, the need for a new liver is urgent. 

As a client of the Georgia Transplant Foundation, any donations made on her behalf will be matched dollar for dollar. Two fundraisers are coming up soon, including a silent auction on March 16 at the Northforke Plantation Clubhouse from 7-9 p.m. and a "Teeka Day" at Macaroni Grill at the Avenue on March 17 (see the attached flyer for more information.)

For more information, call Kathy Hildebrand at (404) 402-7365. You can also follow Teeka's story on Facebook.

You can also donate directly to Sailors through the Georgia Transplant Portal.