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Rauber Hill Sunrise, by Mel Hunt

Local Community Hero Hopes For “A Gift of Life”

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From the Editor, 7/23/21 Photo of Al and his wife, Nancy

Al Mosher has been the epitome of what we refer to as a, “pillar of the community.” From business, to the Lions Club, and Wellsville Central Schools, Mosher has always been a major force in shaping the Wellsville we live in today. It would not be the same place without him, and keeping him around is a pressing matter.

The Mosher family has opened a new Facebook page in the hopes of finding Al a hero, specifically an organ donor kind of hero. The details are many and best to give the word from the source:

“Some of you may know that Al was diagnosed with a liver condition known as NASH (NonAlchoholic SteatoHepatitis) in 2019. NASH is a hard to diagnose disorder and can lead to serious liver issues. If not diagnosed early, it can lead to cirrhosis and eventual liver failure. Since his diagnosis, his liver functions have gotten worse and it’s no longer working well enough to keep him healthy.

Over the past two years Al has dealt with constant fluid retention which has hampered mobility and gotten worse enough to labor his ability to breathe at times. He has had to have multiple procedures to remove the fluid that normally, the liver would help control. Al is also on a regular schedule of infusions to help regulate the chemical levels that normal liver functions control. The liver provides a lot of different functions for the body like filtering toxins, regulating metabolism, and so many other vital things. Now his liver continues to worsen and will eventually fail to keep him alive.

This is what he is facing now, leaving him with only one treatment option- receiving a liver transplant. A liver transplant would offer Al the ability to live a longer, healthier and more normal life. It will also give him more time to do the fun things he enjoys most, like spending time with family and friends. Finding a liver for a transplant is not easy. Just ask the 17,000+ patients on the waiting list for a deceased donor liver like Al. Time is not on his side. Some wait for years; many die while waiting. However, there is another option; a living donor transplant.

During a living-donor transplant, a healthy adult can donate a portion of their liver to someone with end-stage liver disease. The liver is the only organ in the human body that can regenerate, so following the transplant; the donor’s liver will regenerate, or grow back, in a few months. Asking a family member or a friend to consider donating part of their liver is a difficult request, but it will greatly improve Al’s chances of getting a transplant and prolonging his life and health.

Here are the criteria that must be met in order to be considered as a living liver donor:

● Compatible Blood Type: Al’s donor must have a Blood Type of A or O● The donor must be 55 years old or younger● The donor should be in reasonably good health. A lot of people might not know a lot about a living donation- We didn’t before liver disease affected our lives. Understandably, some people are fearful about any type of surgery, let alone donating a piece of their own liver. Here’s some basic information about a living donation:● You will have a complete evaluation that includes tests and screenings to make sure you’re healthy enough to donate part of your liver● Your liver will grow back to its full size within a few months after surgery● You do not have to be related to someone to donate part of your liver● You can still have a baby; donating doesn’t cause fertility problems for women or men.● The donor doesn’t have to pay for their evaluation or surgery.● You will need to stay in the hospital for 5-10 days after surgery.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. We know a living donation is an ultimate act of kindness and might not be right for everyone, but if you could find it in your heart to share this to everyone you know, we would be extremely grateful. The more people we can reach, the greater the chances of finding someone that can give Al the gift of life.

If you or someone you know would be interested in becoming a donor, you can contact Strong Memorial Hospital at 585-275-5875 for an evaluation of compatibility. You will need to tell them that you are interested in being a live liver donor for Al Mosher and they will start the process. Al’s birthdate is 11/30/1952. You will need this info as well.”

Connect with the Mosher’s on Facebook or if you don’t use social media, we would be happy to forward any information or just well wishes, just email us at WellsvilleSun@yahoo.com


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