In 1995, Matt Katsarelis, then a 35-year-old husband and father, was diagnosed with hepatitis C. Thirteen years later, his condition had progressed to the point that he needed a liver transplant to survive. Matt received his gift of a donated liver on Easter Sunday of 2010, and he was able to return to work after six weeks. He now owns a small magazine publishing business. "The impact my transplant has had on my life is truly immeasurable," he said "Daily, I pray strength for the donor family. I am forever grateful to my donor. This gift of life not only saved me, it saved my family."

Matt's Story

Matt Katsarelis thought he had the perfect life. He enjoyed his engineering work in the space industry, and he and his beloved wife Katrina had two beautiful children. However, in 1995 at age 35, despite feeling strong and healthy at the time, Matt was diagnosed with hepatitis C. He underwent various treatments over the next eight years, but the prognosis was not positive.

"I battled depression, fatigue and extreme itchiness all over my body almost constantly for five years," he said. "I remember many occasions the itching was so bad I would get up leave our bed and aggressively scratch the bottoms of my feet and palms until they were raw."

He moved with his family to Houston, and there Matt found a specialist who helped to alleviate some of his symptoms. He was also informed that he would need a liver transplant to survive. By Dec. 2008, his health had deteriorated significantly with extreme abdominal pain and pressure. He was hospitalized in April 2009 as liver failure was approaching. Despite his pain and hardships, Matt was still working two jobs.

Matt managed to carry on another year, although he could no longer work. By April 2010, he was back in the hospital, this time with renal failure. His healthcare team was able to stabilize him until he received the call that a liver had become available.

"It was Easter Sunday at 5:30 am," he noted. "At 50 years old, I was overwhelmed with tears of joy and guilt. After all the curiosity and trials of waiting, I realized that someone with a heart the size of Texas would save my life due to a heroic decision to donate."

The surgery was very successful, and Matt was up walking the next day. He was able to return to work after six weeks. He now owns a small magazine publishing business.

"The impact it has on my life is truly immeasurable," he said "Daily, I pray strength for the donor family. I had no idea I would feel normal again. I am forever grateful to my donor and the kind act of selfless humanity. This gift of life not only saved me, it saved my family".