Kevin Jacques

Kevin Jacques was young, single and had his whole life ahead of him until a rare chronic liver disease left him needing a lifesaving transplant. By the time he was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), his liver was failing, and he was referred to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville to wait for a donor. (This sounds cold. Let’s reword it.)

On March 18, 2018, Kevin received the call that changed everything—a matching liver had been found. (Can we instead say “After waiting X amount of time ….. “ or was it a really short wait?)

The transplant gave Kevin more than a second chance. It gave him a future.

Today, Kevin is a devoted husband and father of four who treasures every moment with his family. To honor his donor, he shares his story at local high schools, encouraging others to register as organ donors.

“It’s the least I can do to honor my donor whose gift has given me precious time with my loved ones,” Kevin said. “I get to watch my children grow up and spend time with my family. That’s priceless.”