My name is Timothy (Tim), and I am asking for your help to save my life. I am 54 years old and currently on aliver transplant list in New York.
I'm 54 years-old and married to my lovely wife Lori. We have our daughter and son-in-law close by with our almost 2-year-old granddaughter and are expecting another grandchild this fall. My wife and I love to travel and enjoy spending time with friends and being on the water.
I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer with metastasis to the liver in November of 2020. At that time, I was told I had 3 years to live. After getting into Moffitt Cancer Center and responding very well to chemo, I now only have cancer remaining in my liver but the only option to fully rid my body of cancer is to get a new liver.
While the past 18 months has turned our life upside down, I'm dealing with living with cancer and chemo the best I can. I try to enjoy as much of life as I can, but the side effects of chemo take their toll. Having to get chemo every two weeks is something that puts me through an emotional and physical rollercoaster.
Most of my life I have been able to know what I want and figure out a way to get it done. Cancer and waiting for a transplant have taught me how to be patient. But not knowing who is calling or when the right match will show up is a test on my patience. I know cancer can spread at any time and I want to make sure I find a donor before that happens and takes this option off the table.
Having a living donor is the only option that I have other than chemo for life. My life expectancy is doubled by getting a transplant instead of remaining on chemo.
In my search for a donor I’ve used social media, asked friends to send out to email lists, been a guest on podcasts. I have a sign on the back of my car, and I've sent out press releases during Donate Life Month.
I am compatible with any Type O and some type A blood. I have believed since the beginning of knowing a transplant was an option that a stranger was going to become my donor. But also that our lives would be connected in a way unlike anything else. I will be forever grateful and know that my family and friends will embrace you like one of theirs.
My dream is to live up to the vow I gave my wife when we married, that I would never leave her.
I also want to continue my awareness and advocacy so that more people get screened for colorectal cancer and that we find a cure for those who have it.
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,
Tim