Ril M. Beatty III, Liver Transplant Recipient

In May of 2010, I was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, a rare disease that scars the liver, reduces the body’s ability to absorb vitamins, and often results in liver failure.  As my health declined, I no longer had the energy to enjoy even the simplest things in life like playing at the park with my daughter or walking through a store.

In January of 2011, my wife and I were told that the damage to my liver was so severe, that without a transplant, I’d live less than one year. With my wife’s unwavering support, I was determined to get well, and immediately began the process to be placed on the transplant waiting list.

On April 22nd, 2011, I was granted the gift of life, and had my transplant surgery. I will forever be grateful for my donor angel and his family, and I feel that it’s truly phenomenal that one would make their life’s culminating act so beautifully selfless. I’m grateful, as well, for the University of Kentucky Transplant Center for providing such competent and compassionate care. With my quality of life restored, I’m committed to living a life reflective of the precious gift that I have received.

Additionally, in June of 2013, my daughter, Matilyn, wife, Rosalyn, and I, were blessed with the birth of baby Gwendolyn into our family, an event I surely would have missed had I not been blessed with the gift of a transplant. It truly is amazing how one thoughtful “Yes”, has passed life on.

-Ril M. Beatty III, Liver Transplant Recipient