2017 Kirby Cochran Sr.

KIRBY COCHRAN SR.

Liver Recipient

Age 48 ~ Franklin, IN

Detective, Johnson county Sheriff’s Office

Honored by Indiana Donor Network at indianadonornetwork.org

At age 44, Kirby Cochran received the devastating news that he needed a liver transplant. He had been diagnosed with liver disease caused by lupus. At the time, Kirby was a hard-working detective for the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office fighting crimes against women and children. By November 2012, Kirby was placed on the national transplant waiting list. The call came on January 8, 2013. The next day, Kirby kissed his friends and family goodbye and went to the operating room for his lifesaving surgery. During his recovery, Kirby had the privilege of meeting his donor’s family. He got to thank them and to learn all about the amazing person his donor, Tracy Driscoll, was. Over time, he has developed a close bond with Tracy’s family. They all attend birthday and holiday celebrations together.

Kirby’s Story

At age 44, Kirby Cochran received the devastating news that he needed a liver transplant. He had been diagnosed with liver disease caused by lupus. At the time, Kirby was a hard-working detective for the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office fighting crimes against women and children. He was a passionate community activist, a loving husband and a father of three.

Over the next six months, Kirby experienced several hospitalizations and complications stemming from his failing liver. By November 2012, Kirby was placed on the national transplant waiting list. The call came on January 8, 2013.

“I was having a rough few days and went to the doctor’s office to get examined,” Kirby recalls. “As I was checking out, I looked down at my phone and realized I had missed several calls. At that moment, I instantly knew what was going on.”

The next day, Kirby kissed his friends and family goodbye and went to the operating room for his lifesaving surgery.

Receiving the gift of life has led to many wonderful blessings for Kirby and his family. He’s had the opportunity to witness the marriage of his two sons, watch his daughter begin high school and spend time with his grandson. Kirby is now pursuing his dream to become the next sheriff of Johnson County, Indiana.

During his recovery, Kirby had the distinct privilege of meeting his donor’s family. He got to thank them and to learn all about the amazing person his donor, Tracy Driscoll, was. Over time, he has developed a close bond with Tracy’s family. They all attend birthday and holiday celebrations together.

Kirby and his loved ones are thrilled to join Tracy’s family to honor her legacy and to raise donation awareness at the 2017 Tournament of Roses Parade on the Donate Life Float.