Liver donation
The liver is a remarkable organ. If you cut off a piece and implant it in someone else (like me) it will grow to full size in about 3 months. The donor’s liver also grows back to full size in 3 months. If I am to live, I need a donation from someone in good health, age 19-55, with blood type O- or O+.
This is not a small thing I am asking. It is major surgery for both me and the donor. It takes someone very special to do this for a stranger.
Living donors often say they saw it as an opportunity to put their values into action and do something selfless to help another person. The extraordinary act of generosity and compassion can be life changing for both donor and recipient!
It certainly would be for me and the people who love me. Without a new liver I will continue to get sicker and may only live another year or two. Maybe I don’t even have a year. Things can go downhill very quickly with this disease. It has very nearly killed me once already.
With a donation I am likely to return to full health and live for many more years. What a gift for me and my famly and friends! I could go back to working in mental health. I could take care of my loved ones again. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it!
Contacting B.C. Transplant
The first step is to contact B.C. Transplant. They are happy to receive inquires about anything related to organ donation. There is no obligation to proceed and your inquires are privacy-protected. I will not be told that you are in touch with them. They will not pressure you to donate. B.C. Transplant even has a program to reimburse any expenses you have in connection with a donation, for example travel.
- Phone: 604.875.4111 extension 66523
- Toll free phone: 1.855.875.5182
- Email: liverdonornurse@vch.ca
If you decide to help me you will need my full name. I was born in Canada and have always been known as Frank Reiter, but my legal name is actually Ferenc Reiter. I am named after my Hungarian father and grandfather.
If donation is not for you, you can still help by sharing my story.