The American Liver Foundation, Great Lakes Division is proud to honor Jena Dangerfield at our 2017 Journeys event!
“Four years before I was born, my father was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. We were lucky that he was able to live with it, with little complications, for many years. When I was 29, though, the disease had progressed to the point where my dad needed a transplant. He wasn’t high enough on the transplant list to receive a liver, so my sisters and I started researching the living donor option. After going through some testing, I was approved to be my dad’s liver donor, and on September 26, 2013, we had our surgery. We had an amazing transplant team at the University of Virginia. Unfortunately, six months after our surgery, my father developed an infection and passed away. My mother, sisters, and the rest of our family were devastated.
Afterwards, I searched for a way to give back and to honor my dad. That is how I found the American Liver Foundation. I joined the Liver Life Challenge and ran the 2016 Chicago Marathon with the ALF team, in a jersey that said, “FOR DAD”. It was an unforgettable experience that pushed me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I was proud to not only run for my father but also ALF.
I look forward to volunteering with ALF in future events.”
