Support Thomas Duran's Life-saving Liver Transplant Journey

Hi everyone!

Thomas Duran is a devoted and loving husband to my sister Sandi of 21 years and is a doting, caring, supportive, and loving father to their daughters, DeAnza & Izabella. He’s extremely hard-working, a great friend to all, has a terrific personality, and has an awesome sense of humor.

During the summer of 2023, Thomas became very sick. After a few tests and a biopsy in the fall of 2023, Thomas & Sandi were given shocking, devastating, and heartbreaking news. He was diagnosed with a rare genetic protein deficiency called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency which caused Thomas to develop cirrhosis of the liver. This is an extremely rare genetic protein deficiency that affects approximately 1 in 1,500 to 3,500 people worldwide.

He was referred to UCHealth in Aurora, CO for specialized care. After extensive testing at UCHealth in the spring of 2024, it was discovered that he was without a doubt in need of a new liver. Without a new liver, his life would be cut short looking at living possibly another five years. After the transplant committee reviewed his case, it was agreed that Thomas be placed on the liver transplant list.

He had undergone five endoscopy procedures in 2024 to band several esophageal varices. Banding the varices, which was quite painful, was necessary to prevent rupture and internal bleeding. Thankfully, all varices were banded successfully. New Year’s Eve 2025 marked the start of Thomas’s need for paracentesis procedures to remove ascites fluid that built up in his abdomen. Starting in August, he was retaining ascites rather rapidly which required several visits to the ER for emergency paracentesis procedures.

Thomas’s health suddenly declined in a matter of days in early September when he was transported from the local ER to UCHealth. He was there for a week, and his kidneys were slightly harmed due to dehydration from the buildup of ascites. Once stable he was discharged. The transplant team of doctors told him to be packed and ready to return whenever he gets the call about a donor match.

The power of prayer holds true for Thomas. He and Sandi stayed that night at a local hotel when they received a call in the middle of the night from a UCH Donor Coordinator. They found a match!! They both were deeply thankful to GOD that all their prayers and the prayers of family and friends were heard and answered. This was no doubt a miracle that a donor match came while they were still in the Denver area. Thomas had so many feelings and emotions after that call. He was so relieved and grateful but also sad that someone passed so he could live. Sandi explained to him that the donor will live…in him! What a precious gift he’s been granted by the grace and mercy of our Lord.

He checked back into UCH the next day for his life-saving liver transplant surgery. Thanks to the blessed and expert hands of the transplant surgical team, his transplant was a success, and his new liver is a good one! He now faces a long recovery.

Please support Thomas & Sandi as they face lost wages, extensive medical bills, his antirejection medications he’ll need for the rest of his life, travel, temporary housing & living expenses while in the Denver area, in addition to keeping up with expenses back home, and any other unforeseen costs. With your support, the family can focus on Thomas’s recovery. Any amount you donate is appreciated.

Thomas is so deeply grateful to the donor and the donor’s family for giving the gift of life and to the entire UCH Transplant team for his second chance at life! Thomas, Sandi, DeAnza, and Izabella sincerely thank you for reading Thomas's story and for helping the Duran family with your generous donations and continued prayers for Thomas’s full recovery!

The Duran family plans to pay it forward to others in need of a liver transplant with any extra funds received.

Please share this GoFundMe link with others.

If you are donating an amount of $500 or greater, you can contact Thomas or Sandi. Or if you are more comfortable donating through Venmo or Zelle, you can send money to:

Venmo account: @thomas7477

Zelle account: contact Family for QR Code