Become a Living Liver Donor

When I learned my brother-in-law, Doug, needed a liver transplant, it felt like the world stood still. He was gravely ill, and time was running out. The doctors said his condition was dire—he most likely will not see another Christmas. Waiting for a deceased donor would take too long. He needed a living donor. Doug was lucky though, he had many volunteers.

The process wasn’t easy, but it was worth every moment. After a series of tests, the doctors confirmed I was his best match. I’d donate the right lobe of my liver to Doug, a gift that could give him not just days, but years with his loved ones. The surgery was extensive , and painful, but every ache was a reminder of what it meant: life.

Recovery wasn’t a walk in the park, but the body has an incredible ability to heal. The liver is unique—it regenerates, both in the donor and the recipient. Within weeks, my liver began to grow back, as if it understood the significance of its job. And Doug? He began to thrive. His jaundiced skin faded, his energy returned, and he started to look like the Doug we all knew and loved.

Now, Doug is making plans, not farewells. He has years ahead to celebrate milestones, share holidays, and watch his loved ones grow. Instead of sitting at a table filled with bittersweet goodbyes, we shared laughter, love, and hope.

Becoming a living liver donor was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. There’s something indescribable about knowing that a piece of me gave someone a second chance at life. His wife Laura calls it his “lady part”.

If you’re considering becoming a living organ donor, I encourage you to look into it. Yes, it’s a big decision, and yes, there’s sacrifice involved. But the chance to give someone more time with the people they love—it’s a gift that ripples outward in ways you can’t even imagine.

Doug is here with us today because of that decision, and my heart is full knowing that I played a part in giving him that future. After all, what’s more human, more beautiful, than giving life?