2017 Yvonne Dove

YVONNE DOVE

Liver Recipient

Retired, Volunteer Transplant Ambassador at Cedars-Sinai

Age 65

Honored by Cedars-Sinai at cedars-sinai.edu

In 2007, Yvonne was diagnosed with Hepatitis C and Liver Cancer. She had many fears, but relied on her faith, the Support Group, and her social worker at Cedars-Sinai for strength. She waited 2 ½ years for her lifesaving transplant, and on September 25, 2012 Yvonne was finally transplanted. She is now Cancer free and, “free from it all,” she says. As a Cedars-Sinai Ambassador for the Comprehensive Transplant Center for over 3 years, Yvonne offers practical and emotional support to pre- and post- transplant patients. She escorts patients to various appointments, answers questions about the transplant process, and offers the kind of support only someone who’s been in the same shoes can. As to her work as a volunteer: “I love it and would not change being an ambassador for anything in the world,” says Yvonne.

Yvonne’s Story

Liver Transplant Recipient September 25, 2012, Age 65

In 2007, Yvonne was diagnosed with Hepatitis C and Liver Cancer. At that time, she had many fears, but she relied on her faith, the Support Group and her social worker at Cedars-Sinai, for strength to get her through.   Once Yvonne was listed she waited 2 ½ years for her life saving transplant. During this time Yvonne was treated for her cancer, her Hepatitis C and finally transplanted on September 25, 2012. Yvonne is now Cancer free and in her words “Free from it all”.   While in the hospital post-transplant Yvonne was so thankful for her Donor and Donor Family for giving her the Gift of Life, she was feeling so healthy and happy, that she wanted to give back. Yvonne talked with her social worker about becoming a Cedars-Sinai Transplant Volunteer after her recovery. Yvonne has been a volunteer at Cedars for 3 years and loving it. Yvonne escorts the patients to their various appointments on the day of their evaluation. During this time, she is able to share her story and help them feel at ease. Yvonne says, “I love it and would not change being an ambassador for anything in the world”.

3 years today. As a Cedars-Sinai Ambassador for the Comprehensive Transplant Center, Yvonne offers both practical and emotional support to pre- and post- transplant patients. She escorts the patients to their various appointments on the day of their evaluation. And she answers any questions patients and their families have about the transplant process and experience, often easing fears and offering the kind of support only someone who has walked in their shoes can do. As to her work as a volunteer: “I love it and would not change being an ambassador for anything in the world,” says Yvonne.