Ex-MLB player finds liver donor through Facebook when former classmate steps up
A heartwarming story of compassion and reunion has captured the attention of many as a man’s desperate plea for a liver donor on Facebook led to an unexpected volunteer stepping forward. Steven Register, a 42-year-old former MLB pitcher, received a devastating diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer in April 2024, sparking a race against time to find a life-saving liver transplant.
Facing grim odds and a prognosis of only a year to a year-and-a-half to live, Steven and his wife, Beth, embarked on a journey to explore all possible treatment options. Their search brought them to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, where Steven underwent surgery and chemotherapy in a bid to fight the aggressive disease. However, plans for a liver resection were dashed when doctors discovered that the tumors were too large, leaving a transplant as the best hope for survival.
In a stroke of fate, Kristin Johnston, a 40-year-old preschool teacher from Roswell, Georgia, came across Steven’s Facebook post seeking a liver donor and recognized him as a former high school classmate from over 20 years ago. Without hesitation, Kristin reached out to Steven and discovered that they shared the same blood type, making her a potential match for a live liver donation.
With unwavering generosity and selflessness, Kristin offered to donate a portion of her liver to Steven, a decision that would give him a second chance at life. After undergoing rigorous testing and receiving the official clearance on Good Friday, Kristin was confirmed as the perfect donor for Steven, setting the stage for a life-changing surgery that would involve removing 70% of her liver and transplanting it into Steven.
The families of both Steven and Kristin rallied together, with the Registers launching a fundraiser to cover expenses related to travel, food, and medical costs. Despite the challenges and uncertainties ahead, Beth Register expressed her gratitude for Kristin’s incredible act of kindness and emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the impact of living organ donation.
As the surgery looms on the horizon, both families hold onto hope and faith, believing that fate has brought them together for a purpose greater than themselves. With the support of loved ones and the power of community behind them, Steven and Kristin embark on a journey of healing, resilience, and the profound bond that transcends time and distance. In a world often filled with division and discord, their story serves as a beacon of light and a testament to the transformative power of compassion and connection.
