After being diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver due to hepatitis C, Richard Perez was placed on the transplant waiting list in 2002. A ten-month wait ensued, during which his condition worsened. "Before you are lucky to receive an organ you are really sick and your quality of life is greatly diminished," recalled Richard. On July 21, 2003 Richard received his transplant, and he now volunteers at Strong Memorial Hospital to help and support other people as they prepare for their own transplant journey. "It has now been ten years since my transplant and I feel wonderful! Every day I'm so thankful to my donor and their family."

Richard's Story

After being diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver due to hepatitis C, Richard Perez was placed on the transplant waiting list in 2002. A ten-month wait ensued, during which his condition worsened.

"Before you are lucky to receive an organ you are really sick and your quality of life is greatly diminished," recalled Richard. "I was in constant pain and very tired. I spent most of the time either hospitalized or sleeping. Mentally I was confused and nothing really made sense."

On July 21, 2003 Richard received the call that a liver had become available. "I knew that either a family was following the wishes of their loved one to be an organ donor or they believed their loved one would have wanted to give life to others."

Discharged from the hospital just nine days after the transplant, Richard was able to go home and start on the road to recovery. "Slowly I could feel my body regenerating itself," said Richard. In about three months I felt like my old self again.

"It has now been ten years since my transplant and I feel wonderful! I was able to see my son graduate from college and help plan his upcoming wedding. I'm looking forward to grandkids! Every day I'm so thankful to my donor and their family."

Richard's experience as a liver recipient led him to volunteer at Strong Memorial Hospital to help and support other people as they prepare for and recover from an organ transplant. "I feel this is the way for me to honor my donor and donor family in hopes that if I ever meet them they will be proud that the person who received their loved one's organ has made a difference!"