03/12/2026
Sometimes the chance to save a life is closer to home than we realize. This is not a headline. This is a real person in our community fighting for his life. Will you take the first step to help?
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Update on Ryk — An Urgent Need
Ryk recently traveled to Pittsburgh to meet with his doctors and surgeon at UPMC who would perform his liver transplant. To be completely transparent, it was a disappointing visit — the reality is becoming much more urgent.
We are running out of time to find Ryk a living liver donor. Ryk’s doctors shared that he needs the transplant ideally within the next couple of months.
While we are disappointed after receiving this news, we are not discouraged.
HOW YOU CAN HELP RYK:
One thing many people don’t realize is that you don’t have to be a direct match to save Ryk’s life.
Through something called a paired liver donor exchange, a willing donor who isn’t compatible with Ryk can still help him receive a transplant.
Here’s how a paired donor exchange works:
- If someone volunteers for Ryk, is approved to donate, but isn’t a direct match for Ryk, they can donate to another patient in need for whom they are a match.
- In return, UPMC guarantees an altruistic donor who is a direct match for Ryk.
- This creates a donor chain that allows multiple lives to be saved.
The hospital organizes the paired exchange, but we must first secure an approved donor on Ryk’s end in order to make the paired exchange a reality.
So even if you’re unsure about compatibility, getting tested could still be the key that unlocks Ryk’s transplant.
If you’re worried about costs: Ryk’s insurance covers the cost of your donor evaluation, surgery, and follow up appointments.
If you’re worried about your recovery: The liver is unique because it regenerates — meaning both the donor’s and recipient’s liver grow back to normal size rather quickly.
Becoming a living liver donor is an incredible act of generosity. If you have ever considered helping, now is the time.
👉🏻 Start the confidential donor screening here:
https://livingdonorreg.upmc.com/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAQfsW1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeApzfC4lcYxB9jEKCyLHANNXGRjbKMHj7XNmpsjZklLtckwpRlA6zNL2cSKE_aem_hOqu12nUj40UjARooTP9Hg
Register under “Richard Smith” — be sure to answer YES to this question on the form to accept the possibility of becoming a paired exchange donor for Ryk: If you are not a suitable match for the recipient you registered to donate to, would you consider being in paired exchange?
Even if a liver donation isn’t possible for you, sharing this post could help us reach the person who can save Ryk’s life.
Thank you for standing with our family and continuing to lift Ryk up in prayer and support. ❤️
