SteveNeedsALiver.ca Tel (416) 556 - 0579
Steve's Journey
Steve's journey with liver disease has been a challenging one. Here, we share his story and the battles he is facing. Through this platform, we aim to raise awareness about liver disease and the importance of organ donation. Join us in spreading hope and making a positive impact in the lives of those in need.
My Rock, My Support, My love, My everything. I wish for the chance to repay her and show her the love she has always deserved.
They have been my biggest support system. I don't know where id be without them.
My Rock, My Support, My love, My everything. I wish for the chance to repay her and show her the love she has always deserved.
They have been my biggest support system. I don't know where id be without them.
They have been my biggest support system. I don't know where id be without them.
Steve is a 72-year-old husband, father, and lifelong community member whose world has always revolved around hard work, family, and quiet joys. A proud father to his daughter, whom he loves deeply, he has built a close-knit family that includes his wife, Kimberly Stark, his son-in-law, Braeden McConnell, and their beloved dog, Roxy. Family time has always meant everything to him—whether that was fishing, heading up to the trailer or simply enjoying the comfort of being together.
For more than 30 years, he worked for the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville in the Works Department, a job he took great pride in. Through decades of dedication, reliability, and teamwork, he built lasting friendships and earned the respect of those who worked alongside him. He was known as someone who could be counted on—someone who showed up, got things done, and helped others without hesitation. Independence was a core part of who he was. He took care of his family, handled life’s responsibilities himself, and found purpose in being able to give.
Today, much of that has changed. After being diagnosed with end-stage liver disease, the independence he once had has been taken from him piece by piece. Tasks he once did effortlessly are now difficult or impossible, and the loss of that independence has been deeply painful for him. Despite his strength and resilience, this illness has made him feel like he’s lost a part of himself.
He now urgently needs a living liver transplant, and time is critical—he has until January 2027 to receive one.
This is why our family is reaching out, creating awareness, and sharing his story: in the hope that the right person will see it, learn about living liver donation, and consider giving him the chance to keep living, loving, and being part of the family and community that mean everything to him.
Early June 2024 I noticed that I had bloating in my stomach
that seemed to be increasing slowly. I pushed it aside as I didn't think anything of it. I then started having intense diarrhea that was consistent for over a week so I decided to make an appointment with my GP for an exam. During the exam my GP noticed my extended abdomen and informed me that there was a fluid build up. He also believed that there was a blockage in the bowels so he scheduled an Xray to dive deeper. When my GP got the results back he called us immediately and sent me to the emergency department. Multiple x-rays were done, there seemed to be no blockage but I was informed that internal medicine needed to see me immediately. I then spoke with a doctor from internal medicine who informed me that they believe I have cirrhosis of the liver which is causing the ascites (the fluid build up). During my appointment the next morning they discussed draining the fluid in the abdomen but I decided against it as I was scared and had a lack of knowledge about the procedure. The doctors ended up starting me on diuretics to flush the fluid and I had to start a low sodium lifestyle of 2000mg daily max. Later on that month I was unable to void (urinate) and was rushed to the ER to have 900ml of urine drained from my bladder. I then needed a foley catheter inserted. My inability to void was found to be due to an enlarged prostate but because of my ongoing condition, any treatment for my prostate is on hold until my current diagnosis is under control. My life felt like everything was falling apart. In August I had my first appointment with my liver specialist who confirmed the diagnosis of End Stage Liver Cirrhosis. A few months went by and I was rushed to the emergency department again, but this time I had a fever of 39.9, was jaundice, weak and vomiting blood. I was sent off to have bands in my esophagus tied off due to a GI bleed. I ended up having to have my first paracentesis (fluid drainage) which they drained 5L. Thankfully after a few days in hospital I was able to return home. A few months went by and I had my follow up appointment with the internal medicine doctors. They told me that the diuretics aren't able to keep up with the fluid accumulation in my abdomen. I then started a scheduled routine paracentesis with albumin infusion. An average of 8L is drained every 2 weeks. April I returned to the hospital with hepatic encephalopathy (confusion) thinking it was 1954, along with tremors. I was given medication to help with the confusion and after a few days I was cleared to go home. My GP called me not long after letting me know that he has sent off a referral for me to get a liver transplant. I have gone through some intense medical testing and am finally eligible for transplant. I've been advised that the only possible way for me to get a transplant is through a live liver donation, therefore; if I do not find a living match, I will be removed from the transplant list.