Save a Life

Become a Living Donor

💙 FYI: The liver regenerates!

Most colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients do not qualify to be on the donor list.
They need to find their own donor ANGEL. We help.

About this site


Are you ready to save a life by being a living donor? Our mission is to match donors with recipients. Our hope is that you may be able to save a colorectal cancer (mCRC) patient's life by donating part of your liver. Almost every mCRC patient has to find their own living donor as they don't qualify to be on the donor list.

What you'll find here:

  • A donor matching form to share your information: open the form

  • An overview of the liver donation process with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Get the Facts

  • Donor and Recipient stories and information about those in need: Read More

  • Resources and Tools (Coming Soon)

We are thrilled you are here and excited to have you learn more about the living donor process. Please reach out if you have any questions or ideas

Being a Living Donor


There is a belief that a donor must be deceased but in reality, the option of a living donation is one we are creating awareness of here.

A Few Facts:

  • Every 9 minutes, another person is added to the waiting list.

  • 17 people die every day waiting for an organ transplant.

  • Every donor can save 8 lives and enhance over 75 more.

The liver is one of the few organs that can regenerate. It usually takes about eight to ten weeks for it to grow back to full size.During a living-donor liver transplant, a portion of the liver from a healthy donor is removed and transplanted into the recipient.The potential donor is carefully evaluated before the surgery to determine if he or she can tolerate the operation, and if the one in need will benefit from the donor liver.

Stories of the Heart


Due to the fact that most don't qualify to be on the donor list, nearly all mCRC patients have to find their own living donor. These are their stories.

Tim McDonald (needs)

This site was born of Tim's ongoing search for his own living donor. Tim has his own site where you can get all the details and help spread the word. Check it out.Tim plans to join the following list of living-donor/recipient success stories.

Living-Donor Stories

Living Donation Lifecycle


Image Source: UPMC Living Donor Champion Program

Some Organ Donation Facts

  • In 2021, over 40,000 transplants were performed. There were 11,891 people on the liver donor waiting list with 9,236 transplants performed.

  • 90% of adults support organ donation but only 60% are signed up as donors.

  • Not everyone who registers as a donor is able to donate. In fact, only 3 in 1,000 people die in a way that allows for deceased organ donation. That’s why more willing donors are needed.

  • You are never too old to save lives as a donor. One donor gave the gift of life by sharing his liver when he was 95 years old.

  • About 6,000 living donations take place each year, which is 4 out of every 10 donations.

  • When it comes to living liver donors, each patient needs to launch their own campaign to find a matching donor.

About Living Donation


There is a belief that a donor must be deceased but in reality, the option of a living donation is one we are creating awareness of here.There are thousands of people on the waiting list for a liver transplant. Unfortunately, many waiting on the list won’t receive a transplant in time because there are not enough deceased-donor livers available. Because the liver can regenerate, or regrow, living-liver donation is possible—and a lifesaving option.

Benefits of Liver Donation


Since only about one in four people evaluated for living donation are eligible candidates, it’s important to talk with as many friends, co-workers and family members as possible. And spread the word in communities as we never know who will step up as a living donor. Anything is possible.
Here are some benefits for both the donor and the recipient.

Important note: The main reason for donating must be an unselfish desire to help the person in need. There is absolutely no financial compensation that can come as a result of it.

Here are some of the benefits for both the donor and the recipient.

For the Donor


  • Provides the opportunity to save a life.

  • Because the liver can regenerate, or regrow, living-liver donation is possible—and a lifesaving alternative.

  • Gives the opportunity to contribute to the recipient’s life — and the lives of the recipient’s loved ones — in a very meaningful and lifelong way

For the Recipient


  • Increases the existing overall organ supply, helping to save more who are currently waiting for life saving transplants.

  • Shortens the time on the waiting list for other people in need.

  • Improves odds of long-term recovery by allowing the surgery to be performed before the condition worsens, when the recipient is healthier.

  • Allows for the surgery to be scheduled at a time that is convenient for both the donor and the recipient.

Donor Requirements


To be an ideal living donor, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be between 18 and 60 years old

  • Must be in good general health and have no history of: cancer or other diseases that could complicate the surgery, liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or heart disease.

  • The donor must have a compatible or identical blood type.

  • Donate voluntarily, free of coercion.

If you’re unsure if you qualify as a living donor, the transplant team can help determine if you would be a good match.

Image Source: UPMC Living Donor Champion Program

Recovery for Living-Donor Liver Transplant


The liver is one of the few organs that can regenerate. It usually takes about eight to ten weeks for it to grow back to full size.
The full recovery of the donor generally takes a few months before being back to previous level of health. However, it’s important to note that recovery times after living-donor liver transplants may vary.

What Happens During a Living-Donor Liver Transplant?


During a living-donor liver transplant, a portion of the liver from a healthy donor is removed and transplanted into the recipient.The potential donor is carefully evaluated before the surgery to determine if he or she can tolerate the operation, and if the one in need will benefit from the donor liver.The evaluation includes:

  • A screening phone call with a living donor coordinator

  • Diagnostic tests like chest X-rays and blood work

  • Physical and psychological exams

  • Consults with an anesthesiologist, a liver specialist, and a transplant surgeon

  • A meeting with an independent living donor advocate

Stories of the Heart


Many of you have come to know my story and my campaign to find a living-donor. I look forward to the day where I share my success story, joining the ranks of mCRC successful live-donor transplants.

Successful Living-Donor Transplants

Nothing motivates like a success story. Here is some inspiration for you.

Matching Scars

Liver Donor and Recipient Meet After Transplant

This is a story of two co-workers involved in a living liver transplant. Doctors determined a transplant was the only remedy after Karla Frisko was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a rare condition that causes a narrowing of the bile ducts.She had been on the transplant list since July 2021, but her procedure wasn't considered enough of a priority to make her eligible for an organ from a deceased donor.Friends and family were screened, but none were a match.
Discouraged, Karla vented about the situation during a work call that included Scott Watson, a new employee where they both worked.
It was a conversation that changed both of their lives. Surgical teams removed her liver and replaced it with part of his. The connection they have now is undeniable.

  • Scott Watson, who grew up in Halifax, shared his journey on Instagram.

  • Read the full article here.

Unconditional Love

What It Means to be A Living Liver Donor

Kathy and Jeremy, as mother and son, have always been very close. When they learned that Kathy needed a liver transplant, Jermey responded quickly.Luckily, he was a perfect match, which is not always the case with relatives. Relatives are the first ones who want to share their liver but they have to match to do so. Many feel helpless when they don't match.In Kathy's case, a few months after the successful transplant, she was able to dance with him at his wedding. They both recovered from the surgery and are living their lives; closer than ever.
They would love to see more people become aware of living donor transplants and step up to save a life.
The good news is that the liver can regenerate, or regrow, living-liver donation is possible—and a lifesaving, courageous individual is needed now!

Image Source: UPMC Living Donor Champion Program

Transplants offer Hope

Liver Transplants Offer Hope For Colon Cancer Patients

Read the full article on: Forbes

Mark Everett was diagnosed in March 2020 with Stage IV colon cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes and liver. He was given two months to live without treatment and two years on chemotherapy.

After 18 months undergoing treatment, he had no evidence of disease remaining outside his liver. Mark became a candidate for a living-donor liver transplant. He found a donor after more than a dozen people volunteered.Mark, his wife Megan and their five children drove 2,500 miles from Spokane, Washington to the University of Rochester Medical Center, New York.Dr. Roberto Hernandez-Alejandro, professor of surgery and chief of the division of transplantation for hepatobiliary surgery at the University of Rochester—and one of the U.S.-based pioneers of liver transplantation for colon cancer patients—shares that only one out of eight patients referred to his center meet the criteria to be eligible for this procedure.There was additional stress for the family as when they left on this journey, they had no idea if an external reviewer at the insurance company would uphold the denial or reverse course.Without insurance, the procedure can cost between $600,000 and $800,000, and if the denial was upheld, they would have had to head back home with no transplant.The good news is that upon arrival, they found that their insurance company had approved the surgery. And the rest is history as he also had a courageous donor who shared his liver and saved his life.

A Story of Hope

Are You Able to Share Your Liver?

Image Source: UPMC Living Donor Champion Program

What would you do for a loved one who was in need of an organ transplant? How far would you go?For one daughter, the answer was simple. Former DEA agent, Frank, was suffering from end-stage liver disease and needed a lifesaving liver transplant.After being placed on the liver transplant waiting list, he and his wife were introduced to the UPMC Living Donor Champion Program. As a loving father and husband, Frank was hesitant to ask anyone to make the sacrifice and become his living donor. After learning more about living donation, he decided to talk to his family about it.His daughter, Erica, couldn’t imagine losing her father. When she learned that she could donate part of her liver, she immediately jumped at the chance to save his life, essentially telling him she would do it no matter what. And luckily for them, she was a match.After a successful living-donor liver transplant, Frank and Erica are both back to their healthy and active lifestyles. Without the UPMC Living Donor Champion Program, Frank never would have asked a family member to donate to him, but now he and Erica share something that brings them even closer together than before.

Meet People In Need


Active Campaigns

Imagine you need a liver transplant to stay alive... oh, and you do not qualifying to be on the official donor waiting list. What would YOU do? You would do EVERYTHING POSSIBLE to save your life, wouldn't you? Here are some people doing exactly that:

Tim McDonald

Visit TimsLiver.com

My name is Tim McDonald. I have stage IV colon cancer with metastasis to my liver and in December of 2020 was told I had 3 years to live. That was their story, not mine. I have a REAL shot at being cured of my cancer, but I can't do it alone! PLEASE SHARE THIS SITE. Please understand, there is no waiting list. I have ONE SHOT to find the kind of human being with the courage, kindness, and compatibility needed. The more people this site reaches, the better my odds are of having that person reach out to my doctors confidentially.

Resources


Films

Heal Documentary: A documentary film that takes us on a scientific and spiritual journey where we discover that by changing one's perceptions, the human body can heal itself.


Meditations

Guided Meditation: Access Your Inner Wisdom
A guided meditation with atmospheric music composed in a deep meditative state so that you can enter that same state quickly to harness the power of your intuitive guidance. Quiet the mind, de-stress, relax the body, let go of the ego, and get into a state of flow so you can "listen to your heart."


Toolkits

Finding a living donor is a journey. And it’s much more than the advancements in medicine that have made this lifesaving procedure possible. It’s the compassion of people who are willing to share their life to save those in need.This booklet will act as your guide to understanding living-donor transplants. Not only does it cover how the process works, it takes a close look at the role of an often overlooked, but highly important participant of this lifesaving excursion — the Champion.

Podcasts and Media


Man Up to Cancer - Episode 65: Tim McDonald needs a liver donor. You might be the match.

This is a special episode because someone listening — or a connection to someone listening — will have a chance to save a life. And it just might be you. My guest is Tim McDonald from Tampa, Florida. Tim is a stage IV colon cancer thriver, and his best chance at curing his disease is through a living-donor liver transplant. That means he needs a hero. Someone willing to give up part of their liver to replace his. Ready to save a life? Go to timsliver.com, and see if you might be Tim's match.Tim is a force of nature who always helps anyone he can. He is a generous, kind, compassionate and a brave soul who cares deeply about humanity and builds community everywhere he goes. He is the Community Account Manager at HomeRoom and the former Director of Community at Huffington Post, Founder of My Community Manager, and Director of Communications for Social Media Club Chicago. He's also an ambassador for Fight Colorectal Cancer.“Once I go through all this," Tim said, "I am going to build a community for anybody that’s got metastasized cancer looking for a liver donor.”


Man Up to Cancer. Episode 62 and Episode 63

The Fiercest Caregiver: Jacquie Emory doesn’t accept the BS of cancer care, and neither should you.Jacquie Emory is a fierce and loving caregiver to her husband Rich, who was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in the fall of 2020. She led the charge to find him a donor for his life-saving liver transplant in November of last year.Liver transplant is still only occasionally used for colorectal cancer patients with metastatic disease, for several reasons. But more patients than ever are exploring this option, and many are qualifying for the procedure. For those who fit the criteria, the transplant can be the best chance of extending life, and possibly a cure.Everyone who knows Jacquie knows she wears her heart on her sleeve. She tells it like it is, without sugar coating. She is quick to laugh, cry, and to share her heart with us in cancerland.
Over the past two years she has had a front row seat to the best of cancer care in America, and sometimes the worst. Jacquie is the definition of a caregiver advocate.
Check out this two-part interview to find out why.


WE Have Cancer - Episode 191: Tim McDonald Is Fighting Colon Cancer and Is In Search of a Liver Donor


𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗩 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲: "𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗔𝘀𝗸" Peter Clarke
𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟱/𝟮𝟮 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Tim McDonald - Seeking liver donor to save his life


Aaron Strout Interview July 8/22

It's easy to complain about the little things. But my friend, Tim McDonald, provided me with some good perspective during our 20 minute conversation last week. You see, Tim needs a liver from a living donor or he will die (yes, you read that correctly). But you wouldn't know it given his cheerful demeanor and optimistic outlook on life.Will you do me a favor and watch/share the video? All it takes is one person who is willing to help. Thanks in advance!


Tim McDonald Needs A Living Donor: Interview with Huscott Ladies - July 16/22

It's easy to complain about the little things. But my friend, Tim McDonald, provided me with some good perspective during our 20 minute conversation last week. You see, Tim needs a liver from a living donor or he will die (yes, you read that correctly). But you wouldn't know it given his cheerful demeanor and optimistic outlook on life.Will you do me a favor and watch/share the video? All it takes is one person who is willing to help. Thanks in advance!


Hearts Rise Up Ep. 51 – Transforming Your Relationship With Fear

In this interview, Tim McDonald discusses with Carol his life path and the challenges that have transformed his relationship with fear. Recognizing how it held him back, he talks about how embracing his fear helped him get unstuck and leave a toxic job, end a 17-year marriage, move to a new city, and meet his life partner.Tim talks about how acceptance, advocacy, and compassion have helped him cope with his challenges, including a life-threatening stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis. Tim is open with and embraces the audience as part of his community as he shares the difficult aspects and gifts of what he is going through.

FAQs


What is living organ donation?

Living organ donation is an opportunity to save a life by giving part of your liver to someone who needs it. While many donors and recipients know each other, either as family, friends, or co-workers, there are donors who donate an organ to a stranger in need.

Why are you focused on colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients?

Almost every mCRC patient has to find their own living donor as they don't qualify to be on the donor list. We want to help support as many patients as it’s challenging enough to deal with the illness and by having community support, we hope to save more lives.

How do I qualify to be a living donor?

The potential donor is carefully evaluated before the surgery to determine if he or she can tolerate the operation, and if the one in need will benefit from the donor liver. The evaluation includes:

  • A screening phone call with a living donor coordinator

  • Diagnostic tests like chest X-rays and blood work

  • Physical and psychological exams

  • Consults with an anesthesiologist, a liver specialist, and a transplant surgeon

  • A meeting with an independent living donor advocate

Can I donate a liver while alive?

In liver transplants, a portion of the donor's liver is removed and transplanted to the recipient. Because of the liver’s unique ability to regenerate, both the donor and recipient's liver grows back to almost normal size several weeks after transplant.

Why is a living donation necessary?

Unfortunately, the wait for a deceased donor organ can be six months or longer for a liver.During this time, many potential recipients get sicker and no longer be candidates, or even die while waiting. A living donor organ can be scheduled in a very short amount of time. Living donation gets recipients transplanted quicker with outstanding results.

Do I have to be related to the recipient to qualify as a donor?

No, blood relation isn't necessary between the donor and recipient.