Phil

Phil of Denver knows the profound uncertainty of waiting for a lifesaving transplant. His journey began when he faced the sudden and devastating onset of liver and kidney failure, a shocking reality that thrust him onto the transplant waitlist. But throughout the darkest moments, his Catholic faith became a wellspring of strength, offering him peace when everything else felt uncertain.

“You start to gravitate to those things that provide you peace and strength,” Phil reflected, acknowledging how deeply his faith carried him during those long, uncertain months. It was a lifeline.

Then, one phone call changed everything. After a series of ups and downs with his health, Phil received the miraculous news that he was finally going to receive a liver transplant. The moment was beyond words. “It’s hard to articulate what that moment feels like. It’s the best news anyone could’ve told me,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “I honestly thought I wouldn’t get this chance.”

Looking back now, Phil can only feel overwhelming gratitude. He’s deeply thankful for the gift of life that he nearly lost. “Last weekend, I was sitting with my family watching a movie together… I would’ve been gone. That’s what I really appreciate,” he shared. A simple moment, now cherished forever.

Phil’s journey didn’t just change his health—it changed his perspective on life. Post-transplant, he is living with a renewed purpose, embracing the precious gift of time with those he loves most. The people who walked beside him, offering unwavering support, are now the people he cherishes more than ever. His faith, family, and friends have become the cornerstones of his second chance.

But Phil’s journey is more than just a story of survival—it’s a testament to the power of organ donation. He knows firsthand how life-changing, life-saving, and life-affirming it truly is. His message to others is clear: “For Catholics, there’s no greater gift than sharing your life with another. Organ donation is putting faith into action.”

Phil’s story is just one of many real-life organ donor stories that show the profound impact of giving the gift of life. As he encourages others to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors, Phil hopes to inspire more people to consider how they, too, can offer a second chance to someone else in need. For him, and countless others, organ donation is not just a gift—it’s a life-saving act of love.