Liver Laugh Love

On Oct 16, 2025 I, a mother of 4 children under 10 and a military spouse, presented to the Military ER in Germany. I had severe stomach pain that presented across the abdomen and radiated downwards. Liver Function Tests showed levels in the thousands, and the imaging was inconclusive. I was transferred to a local hospital, and discharged home after a week. Less than 2 weeks later I was back at the same hospital with a bilirubin of 32. I was suffering from Idiopathic Acute Liver Failure, and Hepatic Encephalopathy.

I was taken by ambulance to Heidelberg Uniklinikum. I have been told I had a MELD over 40, I was in and out of consciousness. On Nov 6, 2025 I was Listed as High Urgency Status (O+) with EuroTransplant. Nov 9th, 2025 I received my life saving Hero Liver, which had been perfused. When my original liver was removed I have heard it had only two pieces were still viable, both as small or smaller than a pencil eraser. After transplantation I spent almost 2 weeks in the Surgical ICU, my body had stopped making platelets. UKHD conferenced with transplant centers world wide to discuss my case. UKHD treated me for Tacrolimus induced thrombocytopenia, with courses of IVIG and a medication switch. After this and 2 exploratory surgeries to look for bleeding, my body started creating platelets. I was moved to various step down floors and released home on Dec 5th 2025. I received, and still receive, exemplary care at UKHD while I recover before our return to the states when I am cleared to do so.

The international community of medical professionals came together to rescue me, a previously healthy woman who rarely drank, never smoked, never took more than the prescribed dose of a medication. They were able to save me because of research by entities such as the American Liver Foundation investing portions of their funding toward understanding mysterious, abrupt conditions like idiopathic acute liver failure. This research improves transplant and post transplant care, public health information, and improved patient treatments. I missed 2 birthdays while in SICU, and I almost missed everything. I am here to love on, and celebrate with my family due to ALF’s research on perfusion and organ preservation.