The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
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A second chance at life
Lisa MacDonald receives transplant, helps raise money
By Krystle Dunham, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: September 6, 2007
Every time Lisa MacDonald looks at the liver charm on her bracelet, she is reminded of the day she was given a second chance at life.
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MacDonald, a 45-year-old Saline resident and a business developer for Ann Arbor Commerce Bank, is a survivor of primary biliary cirrhosis. She was diagnosed with the disease at age 28 by physicians at the University of Michigan Hospital.
The disease is characterized by inflammation and destruction of the small bile ducts located within the liver. It eventually leads to cirrhosis of the liver.
MacDonald said while she had the disease she experienced a profound amount of itching, which she said is a common symptom. She lost 40 pounds, which made her at her lightest weight at 120 pounds. The only cure was a transplant.
During this time, her husband, Shawn, decided to take a job in Charlotte, N.C., and MacDonald was a little concerned about moving away from U of M Hospital in her condition.
But on May 21, 1996, she had a liver transplant at Carolina's Medical Center, the 19th transplant that the medical center had made in its history. After the procedure took place, she said she instantly felt better.
After a seven-month wait, MacDonald received her liver from a young boy who died in a horseback-riding accident. She has sent cards to his family on the anniversary of her transplant ever since.
"I really thought it was God's blessing," MacDonald said of the transplant. "It opened up a whole new world to me."
There is a possibility that the disease could return, but she plans to keep her body as healthy as she possibly can.
"I have to think positively," she said. "It's mind over matter for me."
Shortly after her transplant, MacDonald's husband decided to take a job back in Ann Arbor and the couple returned to Saline. They had been talking about becoming parents and decided the best option for them was adoption.
After nine months, they adopted a newborn at C.S. Mott Children's Children Hospital in Ann Arbor and named him Ian. He is 7 years old.
MacDonald works part time, four days a week. She said she appreciates how understanding the bank has been toward her situation.
"They've been very good to me," she said.
Before she was diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis, MacDonald said she thought she was invincible.
"You can't take life for granted," she said. "My experience was a really good awakening."
Since her transplant, MacDonald has been involved with the Donate Life Coalition of Michigan. The coalition honors children and their families changed by transplant. It's comprised of hospitals, organizations and individuals in Michigan dedicated to educating the public of the critical need for more registered organ, tissue and eye donors.
MacDonald said she has made her family, friends and co-workers aware of the organization, and has spoken at Saline High School and at women's groups throughout the area about the organization.
Recently, she sold 34 Detroit Tigers tickets to family and friends as part of an Aug. 10 fund-raiser for the organization.
"I could have sold more tickets, but they ran out of tickets," she said.
They were sold at $20, with $10 from each ticket going to Donate Life Coalition of Michigan.
"I knew it was for a great cause and it would bring people in," MacDonald said.
Peggy Burkhard, marketing and public relations director for Donate Life Coalition of Michigan, said she was very moved by MacDonald's "faith, thankfulness for a second chance and her incredible, fantastic perspectives on life."
"Recipients like Lisa make my job a pleasure," Burkhard said.
To learn more or become involved with the Donate Life Coalition of Michigan, contact Burkhard at 1-248-770-5172 or visit the Web site www.donatelifemichigan.org.
Krystle Dunham is a freelance writer. She can be reached at dunha1ka@cmich.edu.
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