Local Grandfather Grateful for Organ Donation

John and his wife, Pat, have two sons, Tim and Greg.  Their sons are now adults with children of their own, and live in Atlanta, GA and Philadelphia.  In 2003, John wasn’t sure if he would survive to see his grandchildren be born and grow.

He was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in 2003, a very serious and rare form of cancer. After receiving radiation therapy, doctors told John that he would need a liver transplant to survive.  He was listed on the organ transplant waitlist, and then his wait began.

The prospect of waiting was a frightening one. In Gift of Life Donor Program’s region (eastern PA, southern NJ and DE), there are more than 5,300 people who are waiting for an organ transplant.  Currently, 20 people die each day while waiting in the United States. John was justified in worrying that his second chance at life may never come.  And then, he received the phone call that saved his life – there was a liver available for him.

“I waited for two years for a liver transplant. My son, Greg, and his wife, Elizabeth, were expecting their first child (Alex) – and my first grandchild – when I was sick.  I was afraid that I wouldn’t live to meet him.” said John.  “When Alex was born, I was still waiting and was unable to go to Atlanta to visit him.  It was very hard.  My son, Tim, took care of me while my wife was in Atlanta, and I became increasingly ill and had to be rushed to the hospital.”

Today, life is much different for John. He is active and healthy and is the proud grandfather of three grandchildren.  “I am just so grateful for my donor, Sue.  She is my hero.  Without her, I would not be here today.  She was able to save two people by donating her kidneys and liver.  We had many similarities – Sue was a grandmother, and we were both married for 38 years when she passed away.” John said.

“After my transplant, I took everyone on a big vacation. I still have family in Ireland, so that’s where we decided to go.  We also visited relatives in England.” he said.  “For my 70^th birthday, my family came from Ireland and England for a family reunion.  There were over 50 Browne family members there – kids, grandkids, everyone.  It was so amazing to see all of them together – especially at such a happy time, instead of a sad one.”

Several months post-transplant, John decided to give back. “When I was sick, so many people helped me and took care of me.  Now, I’m healthy and it’s my turn to give back.” he said.  John volunteers with Gift of Life Donor Program, the region’s organ procurement organization that coordinates transplants in the region.  He speaks at local schools, health fairs and community events, sharing his story and inspiring people to save lives by registering as an organ and tissue donor.  He also is a driver for Gift of Life Howie’s House, a “home away from home” for transplant patients and their families receiving care in the Philadelphia area.  He drives a Gift of Life Howie’s House van and takes patients to doctor appointments.

His sons have also become supporters of organ donation. “They are both advocates of donation because they saw all that I went through.  They talk to their friends about registering and share my story, and my son, Tim, has helped with Gift of Life’s Donor Dash for many years.” John said.