My name is Catherine, and I am asking for your help to save my life.

I am 59 years old and on the liver transplant list at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, NY. 

I am a psychologist who has loved working with young children and their families. I am also a relationship therapist and have worked with a variety of couples helping them reconnect.  I have a wonderful and supportive husband, a 21-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter. My children are my most precious gift.  I play piano and I love to read. Currently I am unable to work at a job I truly loved and I can no longer care for my own children without help.  My husband is a great support but has to manage most household tasks on his own.  My 16-year-old daughter is worried about me and tries so hard to be helpful. The most difficult thing about waiting for a transplant is knowing that my children worry each day about my health and not being able to control what is happening to me.  

I was diagnosed with a rare disease that damaged my liver.  I have been living with cirrhosis for over 15 years and was doing well with medications and monitoring until about 1 year ago when I developed more severe symptoms.  I am now dealing with severe fatigue, frequent nausea, fluid retention, and muscle wasting and weakness.  I recently had to stop working as a school psychologist because my symptoms are so debilitating.  My doctors have told me that I am now suffering from end-stage liver disease and the only chance I have of surviving is from a transplant. My doctors have also told me that I am low on the transplant list and am unlikely to be offered a deceased person’s liver.  I want to be as strong as possible when the surgery takes place and don’t want to wait until I am so sick that I may not recover from the surgery as easily.

I am looking for a living donor. I am asking this of both friends and strangers, because all of my relatives are unable to donate for various reasons. Living donor transplants generally have better outcomes and can be arranged at a time convenient for both parties. No waiting and wondering while my body continues to weaken. I am compatible with any Type A or Type O blood type. I would cherish this gift and do my best to live a life full of laughter, joy, and giving to others.

The first step is to contact my transplant center using the information in the box below. The entire process is strictly confidential and medical costs are covered by my insurance. Please review existing Living Donor Benefits to determine which apply to you. If you are not eligible for a tax credit, I can reimburse for donation related expenses as permissible by law. In addition, the American Transplant Foundation has financial assistance available to cover any lost wages while you donate for those who are eligible after donation. 

Thank you for considering saving my life.  

With deep gratitude,

Catherine