A second chance: Kerry’s liver transplant story
As a personal trainer, physical fitness has always been a priority for 50-year-old Kerry Johnson from Stillwater, MN. Imagine the shock when she found herself unable to walk to the end of the driveway and in need of a liver transplant due to unexplained liver failure.
Kerry’s experience has made her a fierce advocate for organ donation and the amazing gift we can give one another – the gift of life.
A mystery illness
After contracting COVID-19 in 2020 with much of the world, Kerry never felt the same. She experienced ongoing, chronic fatigue and was increasingly lethargic. Over the next few months, the career fitness instructor became sicker and sicker.
Kerry vividly recalls being in the stands at US Bank Stadium cheering on her son at his football tournament when her husband turned to her and said, “Kerry, your eyes are yellow.” She knew something was very wrong.
Her doctors ran tests and found her liver enzymes were over 1,000. Normal levels are between 5 and 40.
Kerry was admitted to a local hospital that night. Beds were limited due to the pandemic. She was prescribed steroids and sent home. But her health continued to worsen. She couldn’t get out of bed anymore.
“I exercise for a living and couldn’t even walk to the end of the driveway,” Kerry said.
Top of the waiting list
Kerry went to Mayo Clinic and where she was admitted was told she’d need a liver transplant to survive.
They took her through the tests to see if she was strong enough for transplant. She was sick enough to be placed at the top of the waiting list.
And that’s exactly what she would do – remain at the hospital and wait.
Getting the call
Less than two weeks later a nurse came into Kerry’s room at 4:00 a.m. to take her vitals. Kerry woke up and sleepily said, “someone told me you have a liver for me.”
The nurse replied, “Kerry, I’m really sorry…I don’t think so.”
Kerry told herself it was probably just a dream and went back to sleep.
But shortly after that, the chief nursing officer on duty came to Kerry’s room with the news – they got a call there was a liver available for Kerry.
After surgery
As Kerry was in the operating room being prepared for her transplant surgery, the anesthesiologist told her: “You don’t have to worry, we’ll take good care of you.”
Kerry vividly remembers her response; she said: “I’m not afraid, I’m grateful.”
Kerry felt completely different after transplant. While she had to stay in the hospital for a month and was discharged a day late due to a snowstorm. Kerry would later learn that her discharge date was also her donor’s birthday.
“It is surreal that I got this second chance and that someone was so selfless,” Kerry said. “I know I’m so lucky.”
Contacting her donor’s family
Kerry wrote to her donor’s family shortly after her transplant.
She was thrilled to receive a letter back from the donor’s mother, Pat. She learned her donor’s name was Latoya – they called her Toy.
Kerry recalls the anticipation before the first phone call: “What am I supposed to say? My blessing is her tragedy.” When she first heard her donor’s mom’s voice, she recalls thinking Pat was the most angelic person.
Kerry expressed her gratitude for the gift of a liver and condolences for the pain Pat experienced. Pat told Kerry: “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Kerry was in awe of how comforting Pat was with everything she’d been through.
The meeting
Kerry was later invited by her donor’s sister to surprise Pat at a family birthday party.
Kerry and her family traveled by plane from the Twin Cities to Indianapolis filled with excitement and anticipation.
When Kerry and her family arrived to surprise Pat, she expressed her nerves, but was reassured by her donor’s sister that she’d be welcomed with open arms.
Kerry recalls walking into the party and seeing Pat for the first time. Pat knew immediately who Kerry was and enveloped her in a hug.
“We love you so much,” Pat told Kerry. “God makes no mistakes.”
3-years post-transplant
Three years post-transplant, Kerry reflects on all that has been possible, thanks to her second chance.
She was alive to see her daughter get married and grandkids be born. “What if I hadn’t been here?” Kerry reflected. “It is surreal that I got this second chance. and that someone was so selfless. I know I’m so lucky.”
Not everyone is so lucky. Right now, there are 2,100 people in Minnesota waiting for a life-saving transplant.
Kerry knows this personally.
“My friend lost a sister who was waiting for a heart,” Kerry said.
A passion for advocacy
Through her own experience and the ever-present need for more donors, has led Kerry to become a passionate advocate for organ donation.
Kerry shares her story and reflection with her network, including the thousands who had visited her Caring Bridge page during her transplant journey.
Kerry reflected on one example, a member of her community saw her story and reached out to to let her know that Kerry’s story changed her – and her mind – about organ donation. “Why would I bury all the good stuff,” the woman shared with Kerry.
To register as an organ donor, visit Life-Source.org/register or check the box when you renew your license at the DMV.