About PSC

PSC (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis) is a chronic disease of the bile ducts. Over time it slowly damages, inflames, and obstructs the bile ducts both inside and outside of the liver. Once the bile ducts are inflamed the flow of bile, a fluid that helps the body get rid of toxins, is restricted and can lead to various complications such as cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, and ultimately liver cancer. The causes of PSC are unknown but may be linked to other inflammatory diseases. While researchers and doctors are searching for treatments for PSC, currently, the only cure for PSC is a liver transplant. It is imperative that those with PSC receive a liver transplant before cancer occurs. Once the patient is diagnosed with liver cancer they are ineligible for a liver donation.

Since Tom was diagnosed with PSC in September of 2014 he has been keeping himself healthy and active. He is currently on the national cadaver liver donor registry. However, the chance of a cadaver liver becoming available in the near future is very low. By the time Tom would be high enough on the donor registry list to be a candidate for the next cadaver liver, he will likely be very ill and possibly hospitalized. Also, due to his condition of PSC, Tom is at a high risk of developing liver cancer. If cancer develops Tom will be taken off of the national cadaver donor registry list, and would need to begin treatment for liver cancer.

Our hope is that through prayer, outreach, and this blog we will inspire someone to become a live partial liver donor. If you or someone you know would consider becoming a live partial liver donor please contact Neimi Beltran/Henry Ford Donor Transplant Coordinator 313-916-1826, or nbeltra1@hfhs.org. All inquiries are confidential and all medical costs for the potential donor are covered by Tom’s health insurance. Below is the recommended criteria for a live donor (taken from the Henry Ford Website):
The Ideal Living-Donor Candidate is:

• Between the ages of 18 and 55 
• A friend or a family member such as a spouse, parent, sibling, child, nephew or niece 
• About the same body size or larger than the recipient 
• Please note: Tom is 6’ currently 190 lbs. 
• The same or compatible blood type as the recipient 
• Please note: Tom’s blood type is O+, blood type O- is also compatible for Tom 
• In excellent medical and psychological health 
• Highly motivated

If you don't meet all the above criteria we still encourage you to consider becoming a donor.

**UPDATE** We have found a liver donor. Please read later posts for more information.