Go for Launch

I’d been on the national liver transplant waiting list for two years. By all accounts, I had just days left to live when I got the call: The team sent to retrieve a donor organ reported back that it was good. “We need you down here in 20 minutes,” a familiar voice told me. The joke at Cleveland Clinic was that I should have my own key card because I’d been through five previous “dry runs” where you’re brought in and prepped, only to have the transplant canceled at the last minute because the donor organ isn’t acceptable or it’s diverted to save someone near death. 

I could hear the helicopter landing outside my hospital window before I was rushed downstairs to the operating room, where more than a dozen people were waiting. I was nervous; they were kind. It reminded me of a space launch: Everybody had a different role, and they were in action the second I got there. Dr. Quintini¹ came over to reassure me and to explain what would happen. He asked me to confirm my name, date of birth and why I was there. Then they put me under. 

They operated for eight hours, through the night. My wife, Joan, who was waiting at home because of COVID-19 restrictions, received updates from the operating room. When I woke up the next day, Dr. Quintini was there to tell me the transplant was a great success. 

I’m so grateful to the Cleveland Clinic liver transplant program, Dr. Menon² and the donor family who made the courageous decision in a time of grief and pain to save another person’s life. I’m also grateful to my family and my friends. They’ve lifted me up, given me hope and kept the light burning for me.

Dave Davis has returned full time to his family and part time to writing and teaching.