2017 John Whalen

JOHN WHALEN

Liver Recipient

Age 55 ~ Costa Mesa, CA

Honored by OneLegacy at OneLegacy.org

In September of 2012, John Whalen was diagnosed with two diseases: Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. The doctors told John that his liver was deteriorating and that he had two years to live without a transplant. The generous gift of life was given by Jason Gosnell, a 30-year-old father of two little girls, and John’s hero. Immediately following his transplant, John’s head felt clear and he vowed to take care of this gift. John now leads a healthy life style that includes jogging, cycling and hiking. John became an OneLegacy Ambassador so he could share Jason’s story, and inspire people to register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor.

John’s Story

My name is John Whalen. I am 55 years old and I live in Costa Mesa, California. My life was saved on February 27, 2013. I am a liver transplant recipient.

In September 2012, I was diagnosed with two diseases: Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. My doctor told me my liver was decompensated and I had two years to live without a transplant. The quality of my life was deteriorating.

I am here today due to the generous gift of life given to me by my donor, Jason Gosnell. Jason, a 30-year old father of two little girls, Aria and Venna, is my hero. Thanks to the wonderful gift he gave me, I was able to attend my niece/goddaughter Alex’s wedding, and the following year, my nephew Tommy’s wedding. These and many other memories I now have were only possible because of Jason’s gift.

Immediately following my transplant, my head felt clear and I vowed to take care of this gift. I lead a healthy lifestyle that includes jogging, cycling and hiking. My wife, Lauren, who was my loving caregiver, live our lives to the fullest and we enjoy every minute. I do not take this gift for granted.

As an OneLegacy Ambassador I share Jason’s story, a story that will inspire people to register to be organ, eye and tissue donor. Through my ambassadorship, I have the opportunity to thank, support and honor other donor families. Michelle Post, Manager of Donor Family Aftercare at OneLegacy says, “When John came to us, he wanted so much to learn how to be present for a donor family – how to listen and support a family in grief. Not only did John learn this skill, he has become a co-facilitator for the grief support groups that we hold for our donor families.” Grief group co-facilitator Anna Binder says about John, “He wants the best for the donor families. He has a really big heart, and families respond to his compassion and support. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated, passionate Ambassador on our team.”

To think that someone, a stranger, gave so freely and generously of himself is such a powerful and loving gift that it changes you as a person. I feel I am a better person today than I was before my transplant and I appreciate life and live it to its fullest thanks to my hero, Jason Gosnell.