When Will the Call Come? One Man’s Wait and the Organ Crisis in America

RMV Staff | RMV NE CO Newsroom, Rocky Mountain Voice

Pastor John Waters is still waiting for a life-saving call—a call he desperately hopes will arrive soon, bringing news of a donor match and a brighter tomorrow. Months earlier, his story touched the hearts of Rocky Mountain Voice readers, and the support continues. People from all backgrounds offered to help, with many signing up for potential liver donation. However, most were disqualified due to age, health issues, or a mismatch, leaving behind overwhelming generosity mixed with deep disappointment.

Across the U.S., over 10,000 individuals await liver transplants, with an average of 17 dying daily while waiting for a donor. For John, these statistics are more than figures—they represent a relentless countdown.

His doctors emphasize strict medical criteria to ensure safety for both donor and recipient. Yet, for John, hope feels almost tangible, yet constantly just out of reach.

Waiting isn’t solely about finding a compatible match; it involves navigating the MELD score system, which prioritizes patients based on the severity of their liver disease, with higher scores indicating urgent need. While designed to be fair—sicker patients should go first—it often feels harsh. Patients with lower scores wait many years, even as their condition worsens, while those with high scores may be too ill to benefit from a transplant. John finds himself stuck between these extremes, battling fatigue and pain daily.

He describes it as “a paradox”: needing to get sicker to qualify, yet by that point, it may be too late.
What sustains John through the long nights isn’t just medical care, but a caring community. Friends call, meals arrive, prayers are offered, and neighbors spread the word. Many people have tried to help, and John finds their efforts humbling. “Even if they couldn’t be donors,” he notes, “their attempts mean everything.”

His story highlights a broader issue: while kindness is widespread, the system faces a shortage of viable donors and resources. The crisis is clear, but everyone can contribute. Registering as a donor, informing loved ones, or considering living donation can improve the odds. Above all, prayer remains vital.

John’s journey continues, each day filled with hope and uncertainty. His community’s support reminds us that life is fragile but worth fighting for. Though he hasn’t yet received that critical call, he and his supporters remain hopeful, believing that tomorrow could bring a second chance.

To learn more or start the donor screening process to support John in receiving the call, please reach out to: Uchealthlivingdonor.org & donatelife.net.