Cody Black

 Hello, I go by my third name Cody. I spent most of my life saving lives as a paramedic with over twenty years of experience. My career allowed me to touch countless lives. If you add my experience and all the EMT and Paramedic students that I precepted or taught over the years, my web expanded even greater!

In 1996, I was diagnosed with Non-Alcohol related Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). I get the feeling that in the late ‘90s not much was known about this disease. I was told that everyone in Texas has a fatty liver and to live my life. So, I did. I continued to work as a paramedic and go to school. My goal was to become a Physician’s Assistant. All of that came to a screeching halt when my wife was diagnosed with Breast and Cervicalcancer. My focus shifted to my wife, although I continued to work and go to school. My grades suffered, and self-doubt kicked in telling myself that I was not smart enough or good enough to reach my goal. I gave up on my dream and pursued a master’s degree. I retired from being a paramedic in 2014. Next, I worked for Idaho Fish and Game for several years. In August 2021, my life changed forever. I became anemic and developed esophageal varices. These required banding on several occasions. The PA in my GI clinic told me that my MELD score was a 12 (normal being 6). He suggested that I begin a search for a live organ donor, because I would be put on the liver transplant list but not be high enough to receive a liver. My brother and sister-in-law had just lost their 15-year-old sonin a tragic car crash that took the lives of 4 other teens. Unfortunately, the damage was so great, they were only able to donate his corneas. Giving the gift of sight to two people. With their loss, I felt like I could not share with my family at that time. 

In May 2023, my brother and I renewed our brother’s fishing trip. He came to Idaho. It was a wonderful week. He opened up to me about the grief he was having. I felt like it was time. I told him what was going on in my life. We knew that our sisters were not going to be viable candidates. He returned to Grand Junction, Colorado and talked with his wife. A few days later, I got a surprising phone call. It was my sister-in-law. She stated that my brother was still grieving and could not donate, but she was willing to.

March 2024, we were both evaluated at UCHEALTH and told in June that we were a match.

September 9, 2024, we both went into surgery. I received 60% of her liver. She did great! As for me, the doctor said that it was not rejecting, but it was not enough to sustain me. My MELD score shot up to 40 and I found myself at the top of the list.

September 18 th , my miracle came from an anonymous donor. I developed a Chyle leak and had some concern, but I started to turn the corner. After spending nearly a month in ICU, I was moved to a room and a few days later released from the hospital.

My wife and I were finally released to return to Idaho in December. Even though life has greatly improved, we feel that we are too far away from the team at UCHEALTH. Now, we are looking forward to moving to Colorado within the next 6 to 8months. I have also realized that life is too short and precious to just get by.

At age 55, I have applied to PA school in the greater Denver area. It’s all in God’s hands now.

More to come…