Recipient

My name is Grace D’Agostino, and my partner is Marie Dalessio. I moved to Florida in July 2011, and in April 2012, I visited a gastroenterologist specialist for a checkup because I had hepatitis C for years but had been in remission for two years. He took one look at me and told me I had to have a liver transplant. I was in shock! He then gave me the name of a transplant surgeon specialist to go and see.

Before making an appointment with the transplant surgeon, I had to go through many tests, from head to toes, to make sure I could qualify for the program. In July 2012, I went to see him and was told I qualified for a transplant and would be placed on the waiting list. Marie and I had to go to an educational class for pre-liver transplant patients.

I had to go to the hospital twice, in June and August, to remove fluids that kept building up. I was getting worse each month. On September 6th, I went back for my follow-up appointment with the transplant surgeon.  At this visit, he checked my chart, measured my stomach, and said not to go anywhere that weekend. Friday morning, September 7th at 7:00 am, I received a call to be in the hospital by 9:00 am because they had a liver for me. I remember waiting the whole day, and being nervous, and between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm, they came in and told me I was a match. It felt like when doctors come in to tell you that you had a baby boy or girl. We both cried with joy and nervousness. It wasn’t until 11:00 pm that they wheeled me downstairs. Marie asked me how much longer it was going to be, and the nursing staff said, it should be soon. We knew the age of the donor and the gender, but that is all they tell you.

The surgery went well, and after a few weeks, I started feeling well again. I’m healthy and able to live and enjoy my new life since I received the transplant. I continue to see my doctors regularly. Now, I spread the word about organ donation, as often as I can, and encourage many to register as organ donors.

When we first got a letter from Josh’s family and finally met through our daughter, it was a great feeling of different emotions of joy and sadness. We are very happy to have met the donor family and that we are sharing time together. We are truly connected to the family. I’m thankful for my donor’s decision of becoming an organ donor. He gave me the Gift of Life!