Support ‘unremarkable’ Living Liver Donor

Did I just call my son “unremarkable”? Yes I did! It’s actually quite a compliment. In organ donation that’s the best thing you could ask for. With each test, there was nothing to remark on, or ‘unremarkable’. His heart, lungs, liver size and structure are all good with no abnormalities, so his donation and recovery should go well.

My son Tyler (27) has been approved to donate 2/3’s of his liver to a dear family friend, Keith Jones on March 26th. Keith was a great role model to Tyler during his teenage years, they spent many weekends in West Virginia and Tennessee trail riding on side-by-sides and dirt bikes.

In December 2023, I shared with Tyler that Keith didn’t have a successful match and they were extending the search beyond immediate family. Unbeknownst to us (until a 2 weeks ago), Tyler had filled out the paperwork, was in contact with and had traveled to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for screening. Tyler said it was the most he had ever heard in his life that he was ‘unremarkable’.

What are we raising money for?

The surgery is covered by the recipient’s insurance, but that leaves travel costs, housing and lost wages. Tyler will travel from NC to Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN, for the surgery. He will be in the hospital for 5-7 days. Carli, his wife, will need a place to stay while he is in the hospital and then a place for them to stay for 2 weeks until he is cleared to return to NC. He will be out of work for 3 months while his body is regenerating his liver to about 95% of its original size . Unfortunately, Tyler’s voluntary donation doesn’t qualify for short-term disability which means 3 months of lost income.

I couldn’t be prouder of my son…I might be a little biased as his mom, but I think Tyler is quite a remarkable human being. He’s going to extraordinary lengths to do what he can to give Keith a second chance at life. Most of us aren’t in a position to do that, so I ask if you are in a position to donate anything to help Tyler while he gives part of his life saving liver…. please do. Thank you for your support and prayers during this time.