Bio
Shortly after my 30th birthday, I began experiencing persistent heartburn, bloating, and fatigue. One morning, I awoke with a severely distended abdomen and intense nausea, prompting me to go to my local emergency room. After several tests and three days of uncertainty, I was diagnosed with Budd-Chiari Syndrome and informed that I would need a DIPS procedure to restore proper liver function.
Following an 11-day hospital stay and my initial procedure, I began to feel somewhat better—but not fully recovered. Within a month, my symptoms returned, and imaging revealed that I would need another procedure to correct the first one. I vividly remember my best friend and his wife sitting with me before surgery, asking the surgeon, “What happens if this one doesn’t work?” His reply—“Then we’ll have to have a much different conversation”—still echoes in my memory.
Unfortunately, my condition worsened again within weeks, and I was referred to New York-Presbyterian Hospital, where I learned that I would need a liver transplant. Thankfully, I also received hopeful news: I was a strong candidate for a living donor transplant if a compatible friend or family member was willing to donate. One of my closest friends selflessly volunteered—and we were a perfect match.
Today, I am two years post-transplant, living a healthy and active life—traveling, working out, and cherishing every day. Throughout my transplant journey, I often wondered how I could ever repay my donor and the countless people who supported me, including those who contributed to a GoFundMe campaign my donor himself had started for me—before either of us knew he would ultimately save my life. That experience inspired me to dedicate myself to advocacy and supporting others navigating similar challenges.
Advocacy Experience
In June 2024, my former employer, the New York Yankees, invited me to share my story during their annual HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week. The organization had been unwavering in its support since the beginning of my diagnosis. Together with my donor, Yankees players, and staff, we raised awareness about organ donation and helped register new donors.
That experience was a turning point—it reaffirmed my desire to give back. Soon after, a former college friend who now works at the American Society of Transplantation (AST) reached out after seeing the Yankees’ feature about my story and encouraged me to apply to the Transplant Community Advisory Council (TCAC).
As a TCAC member, I have collaborated with the education committee to increase awareness about the financial toxicity of transplantation, highlighting the long-term economic burdens patients face during and after recovery.
Advocacy Interests
My advocacy focuses on support young adult transplant recipients by improving access to resources and guidance throughout their recovery. This includes raising public awareness about the importance and impact of organ donation. Most recently, my passion has been held with addressing the financial barriers associated with post transplant care, including medication costs and follow up appointments. Finally, advancing research and innovation to improve the efficacy and long term success of transplant medications.
Contact Michael via email
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