Liver Awareness Month

What You Should Know About Liver Transplants

Did you know that just over 100 people in our area are waiting for a liver transplant? Across the United States, more than 9,000 people are waiting for a new liver.

Behind each of those numbers is a person: a teacher, a neighbor, a grandparent, a friend. Liver disease can develop slowly over years or strike suddenly, and for many patients, a transplant is the only treatment that can save their life. That’s why we’re using National Liver Awareness Month to share what you should know about liver transplants and introduce you to Bryan Breuer, a Colorado recipient whose life was transformed by the gift of donation.

Learn More During National Liver Awareness Month

October is National Liver Awareness Month. With liver disease affecting hundreds in our community, we encourage you to get familiar with the causes, signs and symptoms of liver disease. Learn more by checking out the American Liver Foundation’s resources, educational materials and FAQs about liver health here.

What is a Liver Transplant?

A liver transplant is surgery that removes a diseased or injured liver and replaces it with a healthy one from a donor. Most transplanted livers come from deceased donors, though because the liver can regenerate, a living donor can also give a portion of their liver to someone in need.

The Local Need

In December 2021, Bryan, a middle school principal in Littleton, CO, had his life put on hold when he was diagnosed with chronic liver disease. Over the next two years, he endured 12 surgeries while waiting for a lifesaving liver transplant.

Bryan is far from alone. Right now, just over 100 people in our area are waiting for a liver transplant, and about one in 10 people have some form of liver disease. Liver disease and the need for transplant affect people of all genders and ethnic groups across the United States.

What Receiving a Liver Transplant Means

For Bryan, receiving a liver transplant in December 2023 was a true gift of life. Since his transplant, he has poured himself into recovery, walking more than 1,000 miles to rebuild his strength and find joy in movement again. He was able to retire as a middle school principal at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

Bryan feels endless gratitude toward his donor and their family, his loved ones, and the medical team who supported him every step of the way. Today, he shares his story to encourage others to check the box “yes” to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor. “It’s a simple decision for you and life-changing for our community,” Bryan said. “You have the power to transform the lives of others, just as my donor has transformed mine.”

How You Can Support Those in Need

This National Liver Awareness Month, consider signing up to be a registered organ, eye and tissue donor. By registering as a donor, you have the potential to donate your liver to someone in need after your death. A transplant offers hope to those waiting on the transplant list and their families. Learn more and sign up anytime at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org.

Some organs, like the liver, can even be donated through living donation. If you are interested in learning more about living donation, contact one of the local transplant centers for more information.