My Fellow Stones Fans,

This is not easy for me, but I'm at the point where I can't worry about being judged for something stupid I did almost 20 years ago.

I recently found out I have Hepatitis, and it's at the point now where I need to publicly solicit donors. If I can't find a compatible donor, chances are I'll have less than a year or two to live. I'm already on medication that is making me feel ill every day. The way a living donation works is they find a compatible donor (same blood type, body mass index, etc.) in good health and take a piece or "lobe" from their liver and transplant it. The liver actually regenerates and grows back to its original state within a few months.

They take the entire "bad" liver out of the recipient and replace it with this "lobe," and if I'm lucky my body won't reject it and I'd get to live a normal lifespan, albeit on regenerative drugs. I'd be ecstatic just to have another 10 years at this point. You see, I look after my mom, who is 88 years old. The thought of leaving her here alone is more than I can bear. Most of my family are gone, and the few who are left cannot care for her. I have no family I can solicit as donors either.

Last year, there were something like 6,500 transplants. There are currently 17,000 people on national waiting lists. I live in the New York area, so my chances of getting a compatible donor are slim to none. My blood type is O+. I'm asking everyone I know, because the more people who are aware of this, the better my chances are. Please don't turn this into a discussion thread. If you can help or know someone who can, PM me.

Here is a link explaining living liver donation:

http://www.liverfoundation.org/education/info/transplant/

http://www.livingdonorsonline.org/liver/liver.htm

Thanks to the mods for allowing me to make this public plea. If you know me personally, you know how hard it is for me to "go public" with this. I'm putting my faith in the Stones Community.

Bless you, Gary. You've been a real friend to me all through this.
You're one of God's natural men.
Fingers crossed.
xox

Thanks to LadyJane for her support as well. She was instrumental in encouraging me to take this public. My Stones Sister - for REAL.
xox

I am sorry to hear of your condition.  My thoughts and prayers are with you (and those you love).  You deserve a donor, soon.

Got to roll me.... this is very frightening... I am already an organ donor when I die but how do I translate that to being a living donor?? I wrote the lady on your link.  The donor process is so mysterious.

I wish you HUGE SUCCESS in this venture. We simply must get your operation. Keep talking to people all around you and make some connections for someone to see to your mama while you are recuperating. ..... I give you big hugs...I'm sorry I just realized you didn't want us to write on this thread.

How do I figure out what my blood type is?

EDIT: And if I remember correctly from biology class, O+ people can still accept blood from O donors, right? Does it work the same way with livers?

GTRM please know you are loved here by all. Somehow this will work out. I wish somehow my blood type was compatible but I know it is not. We will all hold you tight as you win this battle!

Good luck to you, GTRM.

All of my prayers GTRM

I am truly saddened to read this. I really wish you a speedy recovery and hopefully you’ll get the support you need so badly. I think you can count on all of our very best wishes. Please keep us posted.

Alex

Brave move and best of luck.

Facing insurmountable odds takes much bravery and lots and lots of positive thoughts. You are much loved by your Stones family here.  Going "public" can only help your situation. I can't be your donor, but I'll help any way I can. Love ya, Sister!

I am hoping and praying for the best. I want you to win this fight!

You are in my thoughts,too,GTRTM.Keep faith and may God bless you.