Delving Into Living Donation, Advocacy and Life After Liver Transplant

Liver cancer survivor and patient advocate Charles Walker joined CURE’s Gina Mauro, vice president of content at MJH Life Sciences, to share his experience with transplant, living donation and survivorship, offering practical guidance for patients facing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and those considering organ donation.

A central focus of the discussion was demystifying living liver donation. Walker emphasized that fear and uncertainty often prevent people from exploring donation, despite strong safety data. He explained that donor mortality is exceedingly rare and that transplant teams closely monitor donors before and after surgery. According to Walker, donors receive long-term follow-up care, including routine imaging and clinical evaluations, underscoring that the medical system prioritizes donor health as much as recipient outcomes. He also highlighted a key educational gap: Many people do not realize that the liver can regenerate, a fact that could increase willingness to consider living donation and potentially reduce waitlist mortality.

Walker recently was named the American Liver Foundation’s 2026 National Adult Liver Champion and described his advocacy mission as raising awareness about liver disease and transplantation. With approximately 9,300 individuals currently awaiting liver transplant in the United States, he hopes to increase public understanding of donation, liver health and the impact of lifestyle factors on liver disease risk. He views his survivorship as an opportunity to “pay it forward” through awareness campaigns, community walks and potentially participation in the Transplant Games, contingent on his health.

For patients newly diagnosed with HCC, Walker stressed the importance of allowing time to process the diagnosis emotionally, noting that reactions mirror the stages of grief and vary widely. He encouraged patients to transition from disbelief to action by becoming informed, following medical guidance and advocating for themselves in care decisions. He also underscored the value of seeking input from trusted family members while maintaining personal agency in treatment choices.

Walker provided an update on his post-transplant course, noting ongoing bile duct complications that may require additional procedures. As he marked the one-year anniversary of his transplant, he acknowledged the anxiety associated with potential reintervention but emphasized maintaining a positive mindset, preparing for challenges and focusing on the goal of long-term survival.

Overall, Walker’s message to the liver cancer community centered on education, self-advocacy and hope. By sharing both the benefits and ongoing challenges of transplant, he offered a realistic yet encouraging perspective for patients, donors and families navigating the complexities of liver cancer and organ donation.

To hear more of Charles Walker’s story, check back to our previous CURE content, here.

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