In December of 2010, my brother was placed on the transplant list to receive a new liver. I offered to be his donor. I began the lengthy screening process in January 2011 and was cleared to be his donor in May.

On July 5, 2011, he and I were admitted to Penn State Hershey Medical Center, and the surgeries were performed. Unfortunately, he had developed a hyper-coagulating disorder and got a blood clot in the portion of the liver I donated. Due to being a failed live recipient and being placed on life support, he became Status One on the transplant list. Thanks to the unselfish gift of an unknown donor family, he was re-transplanted with a full human liver a few weeks later.

Due to the equipment I am required to wear, my recovery was a bit longer back to my career in law enforcement, and I returned in September 2011. Thanks to the brave donor family, my gift was not in vain. I have enjoyed my brother watch both of his sons get married, be present at his daughter’s high school and college graduations and hold his three grandchildren. I enjoy a normal, active life, continue my work in law enforcement and currently serve as District Deputy Grand Master of the 14th Masonic District.