In June 2025, my sister Lauren was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic colorectal cancer. Initially, she was told it was a terminal diagnosis, and we were uncertain how long she might have. When I heard that news, I told her I believe in miracles, and if anyone could beat these odds, it would be Lauren. A couple of weeks later, she connected with Mass General Hospital in Boston. They told her that not only did they feel her case was not terminal, but they also saw a pathway to a cure. The road would be arduous, but she could overcome it and survive.
Upon learning that the liver is able to regenerate and that living donation offers a greater chance of the recipient’s survival, I sought to determine if I could be her donor. There are certain moments in life where one’s path becomes very clear. I knew without question or doubt that what I wanted more than anything was to be my sister’s donor. I would do anything in my power to help save her life and give her the gift of time.
Working with my team at MGH was fantastic. They were incredible every step of the way. They helped coordinate the testing around my travel across the country to make everything as easy as possible for me. Although I knew in my heart that everything was going to work out, it was such a relief to get the final evaluation in May of 2026, learn that I was accepted as Lauren’s donor, and have our surgery scheduled for July 27, 2026.
My sister is one of my (s)he-ros. Witnessing her rise to this herculean task of chemo, radiation, and so many surgeries, and doing so with humor, has been amazing. I have been incredibly touched by the outpouring of community support, and by how we rise as a family to uplift one another and ease the burden of the trials before us. It reminds one that love and compassion unite us all.
Our surgeries went well, and we are recovering. I apparently grow large organs… As such, I was able to donate even more of my liver than the surgeons had initially planned, giving her a whopping kilogram of liver! I am overjoyed that I could do so. Lauren’s healing journey is harder than mine. This is understandable and really challenging. I, perhaps quite naively, hoped she would be feeling better once the cancer was removed from her body. I am hoping that, given we are siblings and only a couple of years apart, her body will, in time, fully receive and recognize my liver as her own.
I remain positive and grateful to everyone from everywhere who has come together to support my sister and me on this journey. Our prayers continue that she heals fully and that we may grow old together, as Liver Sisters, as well as biological ones. Here’s to hopefully many, many more years together.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support you have given my family and me as we navigated the early weeks of my experience as a living donor for my sister. Your work is noble and deeply appreciated. Thank you for helping ease some of the financial strain of giving another the gift of life and time.
It was one of the easiest decisions I have ever made. I knew this was part of my life path, and I am honored to have been my sister’s donor.