I am John Bresnahan, I live in Providence RI with my fiancee, Joey and our shaggy dog, Finch. We are both elementary school teachers and have been together ten years. I was six years old when I was first diagnosed with PSC, the gradual scarring of the liver. This is an autoimmune disease with no cure, or even accommodating treatments, save a liver transplant.
Growing up I played piano and guitar, and when I went to college I hiked, skied, climbed, surfed and biked every day. I was 23 the first time I was hospitalized for symptoms related to liver failure. Seven years later, I have been hospitalized many more times, undergone multiple therapies to remove tumors after being diagnosed with Liver Cancer, and countless procedures and surgeries. I’ve taken a break from nearly every hobby I had due to muscle loss and fatigue. Alcohol, dairy, meat, and high sodium foods are things I haven’t had for years. Last year I was unable to stay healthy enough to keep up with the demands of a full time teaching position, and was only able to substitute part time.
On October 27th, 2022 I received my liver transplant from a deceased donor at Massachusetts General Hospital. I am now three weeks out from my surgery, and getting stronger every day. I feel the best I have ever felt! I have more energy than I can ever remember having, my appetite is back to what it was when I was a ravenous teenage boy, and most importantly I am HAPPY! Happy, grateful, and thankful for this miracle, this second chance at life. My doctor team, my family, friends, supporters, and you, all contributed in saving my life. I still have 33 staples and stitches in my stomach, and have a long road of recovery left, but it has all been so worth it. I implore you to consider being an organ donor to someone in need. There are so many people in our country that struggle with liver disease and our healthcare system is equipped to only help an incredibly small number of these patients. My family and I waited over seven years for my transplant. I am 30 years old now, and missed my 20’s due to this disease. Please consider becoming a donor and save a life.
Thank you for reading, please share my story and consider becoming an organ donor. With Yale New Haven Health, your inquiries are completely confidential. And while you may not be a match for someone you know, there are many other patients in need of a transplant. Mass General also has a living donor program. We are all suffering the effects of a critical supply and demand situation. Your selfless act in sharing this story, and becoming an organ donor helps saves lives! Thank you for all that you do.
Love,
Jack Bresnahan
If you are considering being a living donor please use links below to contact John Bresnahan's Transplant Center. Begin by completing the donor questionnaire
333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520
Did you know?
Medical expenses for living organ donors are 100% covered, and inquires from potential donors are 100% confidential! Contact the Transplant Center to learn more about living donation.
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