Thank You For Stopping By

We Could Really Use Your Help

It’s not easy to say but we need your help. For quite a while, Kevin O'Grady's been living with liver disease. Though Kevin is liable to joke about it, his disease is very real and scary to us.

We’re at the point where Kevin needs a liver transplant.

Liver disease is progressive and while we’ve managed to avoid more than a couple of hospitalizations, our family's day-to-day life has been greatly impacted. Though Kevin’s liver disease is not always obvious to others, those who know him can see the lack of balance and the mental fogginess that have become a regular part of his life. Kevin is no longer able to drive and he is often exhausted, particularly on days when he isn’t thinking clearly.

What gives us hope is the understanding that if Kevin were to receive a liver transplant, most of his symptoms would go away. Because of this, Kevin’s doctors at Keck USC Medical Center have put Kevin on the transplant list for a live donor.

And that’s where we need your help.

If you, or anyone you know, would even consider being a liver donor we would be indebted to you. As our son Asher will tell you, “The liver grows back, We learned that in science.” The liver is an amazing organ and grows back in both the donor (so you don’t lose your liver) and in the recipient (who gains a new and improved liver).

Our request is simple, might you consider being Kevin’s donor?

We’re not asking for a commitment to actually be the donor, just that you will take the next step and speak with the donor team at USC. They are amazing and will give you more information and reassurance than we are capable of doing. Rest assured they will never force or rush you to make a decision to be a donor.

Kevin has type O+ blood so ideally his donor would also have any type O blood. However, If you don’t have his type you may still be able to help!. Kevin, who has watched every season of Grey’s Anatomy four times through, is extremely well qualified to describe a transfer swap should you be interested..

Even if you cannot be a donor, you can still make a huge difference in our lives. Just let 3 or more people know about Kevin -- about what a great father he is, about what he's done for his community, about how much of an impact he's had on the kids he's taught -- and see if they might be a donor or know someone who might be a donor. Just send them to our website and we'll take it from there.

We have no words to express our appreciation,.

All About Liver Transplants

Living liver donation is safe.

Your liver is an incredible organ. It actually regrows to its original size within months of a living liver donation surgery. Like any surgery, the procedure does have some risks. But overall, living liver donation is safe. Kevin's transplant team at Keck USC will always act in your best interests and safety as a donor.

Your liver will grow back to its full size.

The liver begins to regenerate almost immediately. Most of the regeneration occurs in the first two weeks after surgery, followed by a slower phase of growth over the next year.

You and Kevin do not need to have the same tissue type, sex, age, etc.

The only requirements for liver transplant surgeries is that the donor and Kevin need to be of compatible blood types. And even that can be worked around. No other match is required.

You'll be giving Kevin an incredible gift. So we don’t want costs to stand in the way of your decision. Our insurance covers the cost of your donation.

You won't have to pay for your evaluation.

You'll have a donor advocate.

You'll have an advocate at Keck USC who is, responsible for making sure you are safe to donate. They'll have all the information you need to make an informed decision. You have the right to change your mind or decline donation at any time. Your privacy will be protected regardless of your decision.

Get In Touch With Keck USC

Help us by taking the next step.

Click on the button, fill out the form, and the Keck USC Donor team will contact you.

Spread the word.

Know someone who might be a donor,? Please tell them about Kevin and send them to this site. Have a lot of Facebook friends? Please post. Big following on Instagram? Consider posting about Kevin on your reel. Tik Tok? Why not? Anything you can think of to get the word out will help.

Send Kevin a Message