As an occupational therapist, Renee helps people do the things they want and need in their daily lives. However, these roles were reversed when she was diagnosed with liver disease.
In 2013, Renee was diagnosed with a rare liver disease called post-infantile giant cell hepatitis. Her doctor referred her to Shahid M. Malik, MD, gastroenterologist and transplant hepatologist at the UPMC Center for Liver Diseases, who managed her condition over the next several years.
As the disease worsened, Renee tried various treatments to slow its progression, but they were unsuccessful.
“I was told I was like a slow-moving freight train,” Renee says. “So, I knew transplant was probably in my future, and inevitably it was.”
The Path to the UPMC Liver Transplant Program
As Renee’s condition progressed, she developed symptoms such as increased fatigue.
In September 2021, Dr. Malik referred Renee for a liver transplant evaluation. He informed her about living-donor liver transplant, a first-line treatment option which involves a person donating a portion of their healthy liver to someone with end-stage liver disease.
By December, she was listed on the national waiting list for a liver transplant.
Renee shared her story on social media with close friends and family to spread the word that she was looking for a living donor.
A Friend Steps Up to Help
Jill and Renee became friends through many years of their kids playing on the same sports teams.
"Our kids grew up together,” Jill says.
Jill noticed Renee getting sicker as time went on but did not know the severity until she saw her Facebook post.
“It broke my heart to watch her get sick,” Jill says. “I knew that if I was sick, I would want someone to try for me, so as soon as I saw the post, I registered to get evaluated to be her living donor.”
An extensive evaluation at UPMC showed that Jill was a match to be Renee’s living donor. In late December, Jill called Renee to tell her the news.
“I was speechless, and of course cried,” Renee says. “It’s hard to even know what to say in that situation.”
In January 2022, Renee and Jill underwent a living-donor liver transplant at UPMC.
Trading Places
The recovery process was challenging for Renee. She needed extensive physical assistance with daily activities.
As an occupational therapist, Renee was not used to being on the receiving end of patient care. This gave her a new perspective when working with her patients.
“It was the hardest thing I ever had to do,” Renee says. “But it helped me in my profession because I have a newfound respect and empathy for the patients that I treat.”
By June 2022, Renee was recovered and back at work full-time. She’s grateful for her husband, who helped her every step of the way through the process.
“I walk for miles several days a week,” Renee says. “I feel better than I have felt in years.”
Renee shares her story with her patients so they know that she understands what they’re going through.
“If my story could help somebody get through something then it’s worth the share,” Renee says.
A New Outlook
Renee pictured with her family.
Aside from her professional life, Renee also feels that the experience bettered her personally, too.
“It was a life-changing moment that molded me into who I am today,” Renee says. “I don’t take things for granted as much anymore.”
Renee was touched by the support she received from her church and local communities throughout her journey. She says this is a great life lesson to teach her children.
“I tell them to go out and be the good because the good was done for us,” Renee says.
Living Donation: A Gift for Jill
Jill feels that her life was changed positively as well.
“I tell Renee all the time that I am grateful to have been able to do this for her,” Jill says. “It was a gift to me to be able to do it.”
Jill encourages others to register to become a living donor.
“It was and will be a blessing for my whole life,” Jill says.
Jill and Renee’s friendship has grown stronger because of this shared experience.
“It’s a friendship with a connection that is hard to put into words,” Renee says. “She’s always going to be my hero.”
By Spring 2022, Renee and Jill were able to enjoy their sons’ basketball games together.
Compassionate Care
Renee and Jill both feel they received quality care from their team at UPMC.
“It didn’t matter when I called,” Jill says. “They were just so compassionate and wonderful.”
Renee thanks Abhinav Humar, MD, chief, UPMC Transplant Services; and Christopher Hughes, MD, surgical director, UPMC Liver Transplant Program.
“They’re so smart and quite amazing,” Renee says. “I feel very blessed for the care I received at UPMC.”
Renee and Jill’s treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.