Oct 21, 2005 2 min read

On Sept. 19 my husband Walter “Walt” Clark received a liver transplant at UPMC Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh. We waited 28 1/2 months for this second chance at life and after 13 previous attempts and trips to Pittsburgh, Walt received a cadaver liver. We have so much to be thankful for and so many people to thank: Dr. Nathan Duer, Cornerstone Care in Greensboro; The Southwest Regional Medical Center, Waynesburg; Dr. Obald Shakil, Center for Liver Diseases Medical Director, who treated Walt prior to surgery; The Thomas E. Starzl Transplant Institute Organ Donor Coordinators; the Transplant Team at Montefiore; and Dr. Kusman Tom, the surgeon who transplanted his liver. Her compassion and concern for my husband and I went beyond patient care.

We also thank the 12th floor Montefiore, North and South wings; the nursing students who kept my spirits up; to the nurses and ICU physicians in the Transplant Intensive Care Unit who gave excellent care to my husband; The Family House for providing me with a safe, clean facility to sleep; our family and friends who kept Walt in their prayers; and those who called during his surgery. We thank Father Larry from St. Ignatius Holy Family Church for his visits, The United Methodist Churches for all their support throughout the past 2 1/2 years, and the caring souls who tried to give Walt a piece of their liver in order for him to survive. Words cannot express the gratefulness we feel toward them.

We thank my supervisors and co-workers at Greene County 911, and all those who called and sent cards of concern and get-well wishes. But above all we thank God for giving Walt a second chance at life.

My husband is a very well-liked man who in the past would have done anything for anyone. As owner/operator of the former Jedo’s Diner, Walt made a lot of friends. We thank all the former workers and customers for their support. God has blessed us with all of you. Your role in our lives is so important to us.

We ask that you consider becoming an organ donor, so you too can give someone a second chance at life. You can contact CORE, Center for Organ Recovery and Education at (800) 366-6777. Last but not least we are thankful to the donor and their family. Our prayers have been answered because of you and your loved one. God bless all of you.

Denise Clark

Bobtown