Patient Advisor Spotlight

Written By: Jak Cooper, Transplant Recipient 

Advisory Committee member Nancy Jasso’s story is not just about overcoming alcohol use disorder (AUD) and surviving a transplant. It is about the power of resilience, the importance of support, and the transformative impact of embracing a new life. ​ Her journey serves as an inspiration, highlighting the possibility of recovery and the potential for a fulfilling life post-addiction and transplant.

Her journey with alcohol began at age 12, slowly escalating, peaking in her mid-30s. ​ Nancy's life revolved around alcohol, with social events and daily activities planned around drinking, a story many of us will recognise. ​ This lifestyle took a severe toll on her health, leading to a diagnosis of Cirrhosis in 2015. ​

The battle with liver disease was fraught with challenges, experiencing severe issues, including a gastrointestinal bleed that required hospitalization. The diagnosis of Cirrhosis was a wake-up call, but the road to sobriety was not easy. ​ Nancy emphasized the importance of a strong, determined,  mindset and the support of loved ones, fueling her resolve to quit drinking and reclaim her life. ​ Nancy's commitment to sobriety has lasted 10 years, a milestone she celebrates with pride. ​

Health related  issues did not end with getting sober. ​ She was listed for a liver transplant, and was on the list for 3.5 years, a period marked by uncertainty and hope. ​ Nancy also had to navigate insurance issues and changed hospitals from Piedmont to Emory in 2017. ​ Her transplant experience at Emory 2 years later was both physically and emotionally taxing, however the transplant was a success. ​

Recovery proved to be challenging. Nancy struggled with breathing and had to work incredibly hard on regaining her lung strength, eventually walking her hospital room a little, then the hallway at Mason House, then mostly at home. Throughout this period, the support of her friends and family was invaluable, providing emotional and physical support, helping Nancy navigate the recovery process, and staying with her overnight in the early post-transplant days.

She became actively involved in volunteer work, including LifeLink, an organ procurement organization, and with us here at Sober Livers. ​ Her experiences as a volunteer, receiving awards including the “Make it Happen” award and Volunteer of the year from LifeLink and meeting donor families, have been deeply fulfilling. ​ Nancy also became an advocate for liver health, working with organizations like the Global Liver Institute and the American Liver Foundation. ​ Her advocacy efforts aim to raise awareness about liver disease and the importance of organ donation. ​

Her personal life also saw significant changes, embracing new hobbies and social activities like the Transplant Games in Alabama, finding joy in helping her transplant recipient friend decorate and distribute fantastic cookies shaped like vital organs, and spending more treasured time outdoors. 

Her involvement in support groups has been a source of connection, education and understanding for those dealing with Liver Disease and AUD. ​ Through her advocacy and volunteer work, Nancy continues to make a huge difference to many, being vocal about recovery, and offering hope & support to those facing similar challenges. ​

 Written By: Jak Cooper, Sober Livers' Advisor and Transplant Recipient 

I caught up with Advisory Committee member Lindsey, who shared her story of sobriety, autoimmune disease, & liver failure. Lindsey joined Sober Livers following a discussion with Transplant Hepatologist Dr Hersh Schroff who was our September educational speaker.

Drinking began in middle school, and then her “Blue Pill” era started with her Mother giving her Xanax for panic attacks, and Oxycontin from her Dad. 

Drinking continued through High School and College. Percocet then became a part of her journey in her twenties. She met her now ex-husband who didn’t like her Percocet use, so she quit, and her drinking increased.

Physical changes began in 2017 with tingling sensations in her extremities, followed by mobility issues, and a misdiagnosis of FLD (Now Steatotic Liver Disease). Her condition worsened, leading to paralysis in 2019. Despite her worsening health, she continued to drink, unnoticed. Doctors suggested she may have ALS, and told her that she would never walk again.

In April 2020 she was diagnosed with Liver Failure,  Doctors thought previous drug infusions may have hastened it. She experienced Psychosis, and even when she didn’t know what year it was, she knew who the President was, and that she wasn’t happy about it – which was reassuring to her friends who were unable to visit because of COVID-19.

Eventually being sent home for palliative care, her ascites had to be drained every 3 days. Her liver disease is now compensated, and she has been diagnosed with CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy) a slowly developing autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the myelin that insulates and protects the body's nerves. 

Lindsey is an absolute force of nature - despite the pain and difficulty of rebuilding her strength and mobility, she persevered and eventually ran again, proving her doctors wrong. The passing of her friends Mother being one of the things that spurred her on through the pain. She explained when her friend called to tell her “I literally couldn’t do a thing about it. I couldn't get out of the chair. I couldn't get into the bath. I couldn't get on the toilet to go see her. I couldn't do any of it. And I said to myself, If you can't even be there for your best friend, then why are you here?”

Now, Alcohol doesn’t exist in her world, she divorced her husband who continued to drink; losing her Health Insurance. She is living in her own space for the first time in 35 years. Physically – she is in a better place, walking, driving, doing CrossFit and eating well. Medically she has twice yearly liver check-ups, ultrasounds, and bloodwork. She hopes that addiction will classified as a chronic illness, allowing for earlier diagnosis and better treatment.

What’s next for Lindsey? She is going back to become an addiction councilor, and volunteers at the local High School with her CrossFit Gym, working with sober students. Her kindness and willingness to support those in need extends to her aim of fostering troubled teens.