Transplant Success : Founder's Message

Leon Mathis "One of the best surprises of this unexpected journey were the people I met along the way."

Leon Mathis

After being diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis in 2000 and told that I might have less than two years to live without a liver transplant, I had many questions and concerns. Do I deserve to receive a transplant? Would I become a candidate for a transplant? How long would the wait be? How quickly could my health decline? Should I accept this outcome or plan for a brighter future?

Little did I know at the time that my transplant experience would take me on a very rewarding journey. Along the way to my eventual transplant I met many courageous and inspiring people. The transplant patients I met, both candidates and recipients, gave me reason for hope and motivation for this mission.

The greatest gift (other than my donor liver, of course), was the experiences shared by other transplant patients I met during this time. It seemed that upon every visit to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia for treatment, tests, or a doctor's visit, I would meet people with truly remarkable stories to tell. I looked forward to every trip to Emory because I knew I would leave much more encouraged than when I arrived. Even then I thought that more people needed to hear these stories of courage and gratitude.

Another interesting aspect of my wait was the hope that I also received from media reports about other transplant miracles. Whether reading a story in print or watching a transplant story on television, I received strength for the wait ahead. My family was quick to share with me any success stories in which they became exposed. I did not realize at the time that knowing about the successes of others gave them reason to expect a positive outcome for me. It's hard to estimate the value of the hope that transplant success stories can give. When facing an uncertain future as a transplant candidate there is little that can be more important.

My need to be better informed about my health led me to do extensive research on organ donation and transplantation. Up until that point all I had ever done about organ donation was choose to be a donor on my driver's license. I mistakenly thought that was all that was needed to make sure that upon my death, my organs would be used to help save the lives of others. I did not know, as many don't still, that sharing that personal decision with your family is equally important. How many valuable organs never reach a potential recipient because the intended donor never made that wish known to his next of kin?

As my wait continued I thought about the inspiring people I had met, their stories, and my interest in this process. I consulted with many friends and trusted advisors to help give direction to the blossoming idea that is now Transplant Success. Bruce Robida, who is both a friend and husband of a relative, was instrumental in providing insight and help in the development of this organization. Two fellow liver recipients, the late Kathleen Thomason, and Jane Adams, are two of the dynamic people I encountered on this journey. I consider myself very blessed to have been in their path. I would be honored if you too share with us your experience and talents in this important mission. - Leon

Update:

Leon Mathis passed away on May 18th, 2007 due to cancer. The cancer was discovered in his pre-transplanted liver after he received a transplant on May 14th, 2002 but there was no indication that it was present post transplant until just a few months before his death. Leon lived five years and four days with a healthy, donated liver that served him well until he passed away. Because of the generosity of strangers, Leon was able to return to work and in his spare time turned his vision into reality as he developed Transplant Success, inspiring and encouraging countless potential transplant recipients, donors and their families. As Transplant Success moves forward, Leon's vision and mission will continue to promote organ donation awareness through our shared personal experiences as transplant recipients, living donors, and donor families. If you've been encouraged by reading the stories of others, please consider encouraging others by sharing your story.

Please, share your success! - bwr