Ryan and I have been together for about 16 years, married for 12. Some of our favorite things to do together are exploring new places, getting coffee at out favorite spot, drives to nowhere, visiting art museums, and eating takeout Chinese food; to name a few. But, my all time favorite thing to do with him is laugh. We love to joke around with each other and make up stories about things we see going on around us. And he always seems to know how to get me to laugh when I need it the most. Ryan is my best friend and I cannot imagine a life without him in it.
Over the last two years, Ryan's liver has been declining at a much faster rate than ever before.
The very first sign of that was the yellowing of his skin and eyes. This is something that he is pretty self-conscious about and it has created anxiety about being in public.
Next, came the incessant itchiness. He explains it as an itch from the inside that cannot be scratched. This is the symptom that makes him the most uncomfortable and it kills me that I can't help him either.
He also has a very difficult time sleeping. This makes him very tired during the day, which makes it harder for him to participate in family life (something he cherishes with all of his heart).
The last significant affect that I've noticed is his difficulty with his concentration and memory. It makes me sad to see him struggle with all these things. I just keep holding onto hope for a match so he can feel more like himself again!
Being a father is the most important thing in the world to Ryan. A transplant offers us more years together, as a family. It means he gets to be here for sporting events, picnics, museums, vacations, nature walks and trips to the ice cream shoppe. It gives him the opportunity to teach the boys how to shave and teach the girls how to change the oil, or a tire, on a car. It means he will get to witness first dates, school dances, graduations, dorm move-ins (and outs), more graduations, weddings, and hopefully, someday, grandbabes. It means that he and I can continue our love story. That we can keep exploring new things, and new places, together. That we can fulfill the future we dream of together. Most importantly, it means that we can keep laughing together.
Here's where you come in. We need you to share Ryan's story. Share on Social Media, tell your hairdresser/barber (just make sure you say it loud enough for the other customers to easily overhear you), tell the bank teller and grocery clerk. Go for a hike and yell it at the top of the mountain! Please just get the word out there. The more ears that hear it, the better chance we have of finding the love of my life the match he needs.
If you are considering being a living donor please use links below to contact Ryan Donohue'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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"Receiving a transplant would allow me to be there for all of life's big moments. With four kids, I have plenty of those to look forward to."