Liver for Fern

My name is Fernando Badillo, I typically go by Fern, or depending how long you’ve known me (especially from the old neighborhood), Fernie. Im reaching out to my San Antonio family and friends for URGENT help. I am a proud San Antonian born and raised in the west side. I attended school at SAISD/Lanier High School, am an active UTSA and Kappa Sigma alumnae, a member of Rey Feo Consejos and most importantly, a man of faith, family, country and Service. I’m coming to you today because I was diagnosed earlier this year with PBC (Primary Biliary Cholangitis) that has progressed and need the help and support of the community I love. PBC is an auto immune disease that attacks the liver to a cirrhosis (death). Unlike alcohol cirrhosis, this disease just decided to wake up and start attacking my liver and I had no control over it. While I’ve gone through a series of medications over the past year of treatment, thus far they have not been able to cure, reverse or slow down the progress. As I look back at my family history, several men in my family unfortunately have passed in their 40’s through what was diagnosed only as alcohol cirrhosis. However, after my diagnosis, it makes me question if it was in fact just alcohol or was it this autoimmune disease (PBC) that they didn’t know they had that sped up cirrhosis…eventually leading to their deaths. With no new medications or treatment options available, I’m at a point where a transplant is the next step. This is where you and this campaign come in! I am reaching out to my network in need of a living donor in the hopes that one of you will be a match and be willing to provide me with the gift of a renewed life. I understand this is a BIG ask and commitment, not one that should be taken lightly so I wanted to provide you all with the information about the screening process and what being a “living donor” actually means.

There are two ways you can help me: 

1. By visiting my website LiverforFern.com and sharing my story via email or on social media with any of your friends and family 

2. By getting tested to see if you could be my living organ donor, giving me the gift of a renewed life. Visit http://www.utclivingdonor.com/ to become my living liver organ donor 

If you would like to receive more information about becoming a living organ donor please visit 

UniversityHealth.com/LivingLiverDonation 

I thank you in advance for considering being my “living donor” and for spreading the word in the hopes that I find a match soon.