LIVEr My Journey of Transplant Survival

Born with the rare liver disease biliary atresia, my only hope for survival was the untimely death of another young child, and the success of a very experimental surgery. With the outcome never certain, my parents remained steadfast in the belief that I would get through this and live a long and healthy life. That belief and support carried me through my adolescence, where I was determined not to let my medical history define me. After receiving my second transplant, and third chance at life, I was bound and determined to make it mean something. I struggled with this theme throughout the rest of my high school and brief college career. While medically, I was a resounding success story, emotionally, I was in turmoil. Depression marked a large portion of my late teens and early twenties, as I began to attempt to make my way as an adult. One thought continued to gnaw at me, "Two people have lost their lives to get me to this point, and what do I have to show for it?" It wasn't until years later that I would find my direction - I needed to share what I've been through. While my past shouldn't define me, it helped to mold who I am, and perhaps I can help others going down this same path. The result of my epiphany is this book. I wrote it not only for myself, but for those like me, who have been honored to be organ recipients. This is my story.