Blaine’s Second Chance at Life

In September 2021, 21-year-old Blaine traveled more than 600 miles from his home in Ohio to New Jersey. He came to help with cleanup efforts after the devastating flooding from Hurricane Ida. But instead of heading home with memories of helping others, Blaine found himself fighting for his own life. One night, Blaine was discovered unconscious in his hotel room, bleeding from his nose and mouth. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, and soon after, transferred to University Hospital because of our nationally recognized expertise in liver care. Doctors quickly realized how critical his condition was. He was placed on the liver transplant list, and, remarkably, just six days later, a donor liver became available.

When Blaine finally woke up after his transplant, he didn’t know where he was. He had lost his short-term memory and faced a long road to recovery. Throughout his 43-day stay, Blaine’s care team never gave up on him. His liver doctors, Drs. Flavio Paterno, Lloyd Brown, and Arpit Amin, guided him through his treatment, while Dr. Anne Sutherland and the Surgical ICU team watched over him with unwavering dedication. Nurses checked on him constantly, even when they weren’t assigned to his care, showing him and his family just how deeply they cared. Thanks to their skill and compassion, Blaine recovered and returned to the life he knew before: working, laughing, and spending time with his loved ones.

Now 25 years old, he has been able to experience milestones and special memories—like walking his mom down the aisle during her vow renewal ceremony and enjoying family vacations. Blaine’s parents, Michelle and Brian, and his sisters Madison, Andrea, and Bailey are profoundly grateful he is still with them. They believe, without a doubt, that if Blaine had been anywhere else, he might not have survived. Thanks to the skill and compassion of his University Hospital team, Blaine was given a second chance, and his family was given more time and more memories with the son and brother they love so deeply.

Blaine and family on vacation                                     Blaine walking his mom down the aisle at her wedding