Terry

Sarcoidosis

2019 Liver Life Walk Cincinnati
LIVEr Champion: Terry Martin, Sr.

After a successful and long career in the U.S. Army and U.S. Government Department of Defense, Terry L. Martin, Sr. was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis (an inflammatory disease) in his lungs and liver in December 2004. A long journey included many challenges and successes along the way, resulting in a liver transplant on May 31, 2018.

In addition to issues with his kidneys and a diagnosis of kidney cancer, Terry was diagnosed with non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver, caused by the Sarcoidosis, in April 2011. Then in November 2013, during a routine colonoscopy, his gastroenterologist found an enlarged polyp that was thought to be cancerous. The polyp was too flat to remove during the colonoscopy, so later that month Terry had colectomy surgery and twelve inches of the colon was removed. During this surgery, the surgeon noticed that his liver did not look good and recommended seeing his liver specialist immediately for further evaluation. A transplant was in his future.

Terry was presented as a patient at the liver transplant clinic, and that winter he had extensive medical tests done at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. On February 14, 2018, his name was added to the national transplant list, which led to his gift of life in May 2018.

He enjoys spending time with family and friends, and he regularly attends Philips Temple Church of Trotwood, Ohio. He loves taking pictures at church and other family functions, and also enjoys doing carpentry.