Blue Faery’s Blog
A Double Transplant and a New Beginning
Steve did not need a liver transplant because of liver cancer or liver disease caused by lifestyle. He was born with a genetic condition called polycystic kidney disease, also known as PKD.
From Fatty Liver to Liver Cancer: The Risk No One Explained
In 2005, Tony Villiotti’s doctor told him his liver enzymes were elevated. He said Tony had fatty liver disease and needed to lose weight. The warning did not sound urgent. No one explained what fatty liver could become.
From Cirrhosis to Second Chances: Karen Hoyt’s Journey Through Liver Disease and Cancer
Around 2004 or 2005, Karen began to bruise easily. Small bumps left large purple marks. The bruises felt like a warning. She thought she was healthy. She did not know she had liver disease.
A Love Story Shaped by Liver Cancer
In December 2022, Kara Klink learned she had liver cancer. Her life changed in a moment. Jeff Cape’s life changed, too. They were high school sweethearts. Life took them in different directions, and they lost touch. Cancer brought them back together.
How Nurse Navigators Improve Liver Cancer Treatment
Jessica Kropak is a liver tumor coordinator and nurse navigator at the University of Chicago Medicine. She has cared for patients in the burn ICU, surgical ICU, and recovery room. Now, she focuses on liver diseases, including liver cancer.
When the Caregiver Gets Cancer: A Social Worker’s Story From Both Sides
For 13 years, Kara Klink, MSW, helped people with cancer. She sat with them during chemotherapy. She helped them find food, housing, and rides to treatment. She listened when they felt scared. Then Kara became the patient.
From Stage Four Diagnosis to Patient Advocate
Melinda Bachini planned to keep working as a paramedic while raising her six children in Montana. But fourteen years ago, her life changed.
Turning Survival Into a Voice for Others
Danielle was born in Brazil. She moved to the United States for graduate school and was building her career. She was energetic, ambitious, and planning for the future. But her life took a sudden turn when routine medical tests revealed a serious health issue.
From Teen Illness to Lifelong Advocacy
When people meet Bill Remak, they see a man full of life, energy, and purpose. But behind his smile lies a story that began when he was only 13. Bill is now 70 years old. He survived two liver transplants, a cancer diagnosis, and a long fight with hepatitis C. His story shows courage, the power of science, and the promise of hope.