Cumberland Times-News, July 20, 2003 -

Transplant Recipient Now on Giving End

Local Man Forms Family Support Group

CUMBERLAND For seven weeks, Jeff Storer wondered if the helicopter that landed at Johns Hopkins University Hospital carried the liver that he so desperately needed. Doctors hadnt given him much more time, but on a Wednesday evening, doctors said they thought they found a liver. It was his third chance the first two livers were diseased. He cried, though, knowing that someone else had to die to save him. Thanksgiving Day 2000 he was in surgery receiving the organ that would save his life. Storer spent eight months in the hospital all in isolation awaiting a liver transplant that year. Most of his stay was at the Western Maryland Health Systems Sacred Heart campus. But during his last seven weeks, he was transferred to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. Im one of the lucky ones, Storer, who learned he contracted hepatitis C in 1995, said. There were 35 people on my floor waiting for transplants. ... Only two of us didnt have an infection. Since his transplant, he has made several trips to Johns Hopkins for checkups. Each time, he visits the seventh floor where those awaiting transplants stay. I give them encouragement that miracles do happen, Storer, who now has J&D Collectibles at George Slept Here on the citys Town Centre, said. Unfortunately, several of the people I visited didnt get one. And, unfortunately, everyone out there waiting for a transplant isnt going to get one. Because of his experience, hes well aware of what not only patients, but also families, go through awaiting an organ. He also understands what donor families face. The fear of organ rejection and the psychological aspects of someone else dying are just some of those issues. Missing a family occasion like Storer not being able to attend his daughters high school graduation also affects a patient. This area didnt have a support group where people could call or meet to talk about their concerns. So Storer decided to start one for donor families and transplant recipients and families. The as yet unnamed group will meet at his Cumberland home each Thursday at 6:30 p.m. He hopes to call on area psychologists, doctors and others to speak with members. Storer realizes not everyone wants to attend a meeting. But hes willing to talk by phone to those who just need some support. I find it very easy to empathize with what theyre going through, he said. An addictions counselor with the Allegany County Health Department for nine years before he became sick, Storer draws on that experience to relate to people. He said its vital to have support from family and friends during such a time and he still has albums full of the prayer cards and get-well wishes he received. He credits his family and friends, including girlfriend Debbie Trozzo and Dr. Huma Shakil, with supporting him. Im trying to promote organ donation, he said. Its something we need to do drastically in this area. I want to try to get people more aware of the need and what people go through. Currently, about 2,500 Maryland residents are waiting for an organ transplant. Nationally, the number is 80,000. For more information about the support group or for directions, call Storer at (301) 722-6783.

Change: 9 Feb 2010