Liver Transplant Patient Stories

Cody, an Elkins, W.Va. resident, developed ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis during middle school. He worked with UPMC liver and digestive health experts to manage these conditions as he grew older, developed his career, and started a family with his wife Lindsey. When Cody was in his 30s, a routine scan revealed a malignant tumor in his bile duct. Cody’s care team recommended a living-donor liver transplant as a treatment option for his cancer. Lindsey immediately signed up to be screened as a potential living-liver donor for Cody. She was eligible to donate, and Cody and Lindsey’s surgeries took place in January 2025.

Read Cody and Lindsey's story

Vicki was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease and later developed polycystic liver disease. Over time, her liver condition increasingly affected her daily life. In the fall of 2024, Vicki decided it was time to start the liver transplant process. Her coworker Lindy immediately signed up to be screened as a potential living-liver donor for Vicki. Lindy was approved to donate, and Vicki and Lindy’s surgeries took place on February 11, 2025. “Lindy and I, we are like part of each other forever,” Vicki says.

Read Vicki and Lindy's story

Thomas Burke’s story spans more than 40 years of medical resilience. After becoming one of the earliest adult liver transplant recipients in 1981, he went on to receive a living‑donor kidney transplant and later supported his wife Helene through her own living‑donor liver transplant. Today, he continues to advocate for transplant patients and embraces life with determination and gratitude.

Read Thomas Burke's story

After being diagnosed with advanced liver disease, Lynn’s health steadily declined until a living‑donor liver transplant offered a second chance at life. With his son John as his donor and the support of his family and care team, Lynn underwent a successful transplant and embraced a renewed future filled with gratitude, purpose, and hope.

Read Lynn's story

Brian was diagnosed with hemochromatosis, a genetic condition that causes the body to over-absorb iron from food. As a result of the build-up of iron in his body, Brian’s liver was damaged, and he needed a liver transplant. Brian’s five daughters immediately stepped up to help him. Brian’s oldest daughter April, an ICU nurse, became her father’s living-liver donor.

Read Brian and April's story

Kim Watt faced an unexpected battle with liver disease after years of being symptom-free and was placed on the transplant waiting list at UPMC. In December 2023, she received a life-changing call – an anonymous living donor had stepped forward. In February 2024, Kim underwent a successful liver transplant.

Read Kim Watt's story

Arthur was added to the liver transplant waiting list after being diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). He received care close to home at the Liver Transplant Evaluation Clinic at UPMC Williamsport before undergoing a liver transplant in Pittsburgh. “I’m so lucky to have received the liver, and to that individual and their family, I am eternally grateful for the new lease on life I’ve been gifted.

Read Arthur Stephens's story

After Brian was added to the liver transplant waiting list in summer 2022, a lifelong friend, Dan, stepped up to be his living donor. “He explained the living donation process to me, and in my mind, I’m thinking, ‘I’m doing this if I’m a match,’” Dan says.

Read Brian and Dan's story

After 29 years working in the United States military and a life of almost perfect health, Bud was diagnosed with cirrhosis. He needed a transplant, but at 75 years old, he knew that the surgery would be hard on him.

Read Bud Mitchell and Rachelle Jeffers's story

Darnell always knew that his son, Langston, was the kind of person who would do anything for others. Langston’s generous spirit was most evident when he stepped up to become his father’s living-liver donor in March 2023.

Read Darnell and Langston's story

In July 2004, Denise received a new liver and a second chance at life.

Read Denise Bursey's story

After Eric was diagnosed with primary sclerosis cholangitis (PSC) – a chronic and progressive liver disease – one of his close friends, Isaiah, registered to be his living donor without hesitation. "When I first heard the news, I texted Eric and told him, ‘If you want a piece of my liver, you got it.'"

Read Eric and Isaiah's story

Family can be one of the most important components in life. In this case, sometimes family isn’t always your only option when it comes to help. By taking part in a living-donor liver transplant exchange, a total of four individuals were able to be a part of one life-changing moment that they will all cherish for the rest of their lives.

Read Dave, Richard, Taylor, and Laura's story

A living-donor liver transplant exchange starts when a person signs up to become a living donor without having a specific individual in mind for their donation. Instead, they donate a portion of their liver to someone on the waiting list who has an incompatible living donor. After taking part in a living-donor liver transplant exchange, a father and his son are now bonded for life with two strangers.

Read Jeff R., Josh, Jeff H., and Bob's story

In 2017 James was diagnosed with stage 4 liver failure. James was told he would have 18 months to live if he didn't receive a liver transplant. His daughter stepped in to help.

Read Kristin and James Pauley's story

After Mike was added to the liver transplant waiting list, his wife, Darla, shared his need for a living donor on social media. Teresa, whom Mike and Darla had not met at this point, saw Darla’s post that same day and registered to be Mike’s living donor.

Read Mike and Teresa's story

Rebekah first learned about living donation when one of her students needed a kidney and liver transplant. After hearing their story Rebekah felt compelled to become a living donor and donated a portion of her liver and a kidney to two individuals whom she had never met.

Read Rebekah Thomas's story

Renee and Jill know each other from many years of their kids plays on the same sports teams. After Renee was added to the liver transplant waiting list in December 2021, Jill stepped up and registered to be her living donor.

Read Renee and Jill's story

In 2020, Rick was rushed to the hospital for an eye related injury. During his visit, he was given the surprising news that he had cirrhosis of the liver. When he was told he would need a liver transplant, his sister, Ida, stepped in to be his living donor. Learn more about Rick and Ida's experience at UPMC in Central Pa.

Read Richard Olszewski's story

Vadim and his family were shocked when he was diagnosed with cirrhosis in 2018. After being added to the transplant waiting list, his wife, Tatiana, offered to be evaluated to be his living donor without hesitation. “I just couldn’t watch Vadim in his condition any longer,” Tatiana says.

Read Vadim and Tatiana's story

When Wayne was told he had 15 years to live, he started living every day like it was his last. At only 25 years old, he was diagnosed with liver disease. As his symptoms worsened, he started to look for a living donor, and he found one in the most unlikely place.

Read Wayne Livingston and Rina Kader's story

In 2019, Terry received a new liver from his neighbor and friend, Danielle. After this surgery, he went on to create an organization where cancer patients and caregivers can receive hope, healing, education, and relief from the day-to-day stresses of dealing with cancer.

Read Terry Sutton's story