It was during a phone conversation on March 30, 2018, that my doctor suggested the idea for me to travel out of state to get a liver transplant. My knee-jerk reaction was, “no way!” We can’t do that! How are we going to pay for it? What will we do
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Trailblazer of Hope
Valen Keefer is a blog writer for the Chris Klug Foundation. She interviewed Aaron to help tell his incredible story. We all have a story. I believe we are all here for a reason. Some people search forever for their purpose in life and then there are people like 33-year-old
Say YES to Life
When I got my driver’s license at 16, I vividly remember reading the question, “Would you like to be an organ donor?” followed by a check “yes” or “no.” I recall thinking “why not?” and checked “yes” without blinking an eye. As a young girl, I didn’t think anything further
The Process
It takes patience, determination, organization and the will to survive to go through the process of getting on the liver transplant list and then waiting for a transplant. I’m in the trenches right now and telling myself that all of the work I’m putting into this will lead to healthier
Cancer After Organ Transplants
CKF partnered with the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance for this informational post. We want everyone to be safe and healthy to #livelifegivelife Organ transplants are life-saving procedures for many patients, and one organ donor can save up to eight lives. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), there were
My Battle with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
It was October of 2008 when I got the call every man dreads. I had recently seen my family practitioner for a routine check-up. The call that followed was not the one expected, instead, the doctor indicated there were some numbers that did not look right and we needed to
“Say Yes To Life” – A Rainbow of Hope
I gasp with excitement every time I see a rainbow. There is something so magical about unexpectedly spotting an arched array of colors in the sky. It feels as though I am receiving a gift from nature and I can’t help but feel hopeful, inspired and full of wonder. My
Their Son’s Liver Went To Me
When I was a college sophomore I was diagnosed with Wilson’s Disease, a hereditary illness that meant that my body did not metabolize copper. Instead, copper that I ingested in food and water would migrate to my liver or brain. It could be treated with drugs and diet. I seized
“Say YES to Life” – The Meaning of MELD
“Shouldn’t God decide that?” I love this innocent and sweet comment that my infusion nurse said to me when I was describing how the liver transplant wait list works. All of this is new to me, so I’m still learning. However, since going through the liver transplant evaluation process, I
Do You Know Why You Should Become An Organ Donor?
Organ Donation Awareness Do you know why you should become an organ donor? My name is Azalee Hoffbauer and throughout this school year, I have been hosting monthly educational groups at Cedaredge High School to answer this question. By becoming an organ donor, one person can save eight lives after