Brian's Story
Husband, Father, Musician
In 1998, Brian was diagnosed with hepatitis C and end-stage liver disease and was immediately put on the list to receive a liver transplant. Over the next couple of years, his condition went from bad to worse, eventually requiring him to stay at California Pacific Medical Center while he waited for an organ. During that time, Brian was at the brink of death, even lapsing into a four-day coma at one point. The hospital arranged for his wife to have an apartment across the street from the hospital so she could be by Brian's side during the anxious days of waiting.
Between his strength, his wife's love, and his doctor's commitment and expertise, he was kept alive until a liver became available on September 11, 2000. By that time, his overworked kidneys were failing as well, so he received both a liver and kidney transplant at the same time. The surgery was a success, and while recovery has been challenging, his family at home and his family at California Pacific have been there for him through it all. In fact, when asked how he feels these days, he says with a smile, "Like I caught the Hail Mary pass of the century."
