In the span of four months, Randi Swersky suffered liver and kidney failure, was placed on the transplant waiting list, and sent home on dialysis. In February 2006, she received a new liver and kidney and began volunteering with Cedars-Sinai’s Liver Ambassador Program. Since then, Randi enrolled in a two-year medical sonography program to “help other patients and share my medical experiences and hope with them.”

Randi's Story

After Randi Swersky was diagnosed with liver failure in July 2005, her only option was to have a liver transplant. She developed pneumonia in the hospital and spent several weeks in the ICU, where her kidneys failed. Eventually she was stabilized and sent home after more than three months in the hospital. After several months on dialysis, Randi received “the call” on February 1, 2006; she received a new liver and kidney the next day.

“Through the miracles of medicine and God, and the generosity of a donor family, I was given a second chance at life,” Randi said. “I have a great support system of family and friends. My other great support is the medical team that kept me alive for the months, in and out of the hospital, before and after the transplants. The transplant team is now a part of my family and will oversee me for the rest of my life.

Randi also noted that she is honored to volunteer for the Liver Ambassador Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. “This allows me to help educate and assist the new patients requiring their own transplants and gift of life,” she said . “Since my transplants, I have made many life-changing decisions, including changing my career from publishing to medicine.”

After a year of recovery, Randi, now age 46, enrolled in a two-year medical sonography program. “This allows me to begin my education, volunteer and also keep a close watch on my health,” said Randi. “While studying ultrasound, I am given the opportunity of scanning my new organs in class. I can’t imagine anything more interesting than studying the human body and its pathology. With this knowledge, I will be able to help other patients and share my medical experiences and hope with them.”