03/02/2026
My name is Lauren Brown. I am 45 years old, and in February 2025 I was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer.
Since that day, my family and I have pursued every possible treatment option to give me more time — more memories — and more life together.
My cancer is currently isolated to my liver, which makes me a candidate for a living donor liver transplant through the transplant team at Northwestern in Chicago.
If a donor is approved, surgeons would remove my diseased liver and transplant a portion of a healthy donor’s liver into me. Within a few months, both my liver and the donor’s liver regenerate to full size. The liver is an incredible organ.
A transplant offers something we are holding onto tightly: time.
Time to watch my 17-year-old son, Henry, continue becoming the incredible young man he already is — hardworking, kind-hearted, inclusive, and the best big brother. I want to help Henry navigate his next chapter after high school. I want to be there for the big decisions ahead.
Time for my 14-year-old son, Thomas. This diagnosis feels especially heavy because of how young he still is. Thomas is athletic, smart, determined, and works so hard at everything he does. I want to be in the stands cheering him on and there for all the milestones still to come.
Time with my husband.
Time with my family.
Time for more ordinary, beautiful days together.
The transplant must happen while my cancer remains stable. That means our window to act is now.
If you feel moved to learn more about becoming a living donor, I’ve included a link and QR code to a short screening survey. Completing it does not commit you to anything — it simply allows Northwestern’s transplant team to provide more information about whether donation could be an option.
If donation isn’t possible for you, please consider sharing this post. The person who could save my life may be someone in your network.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, caring, and helping us spread the word.
If you would like to help, please share this Living Liver Donor Campaign on your social media platforms and if you’d like to be evaluated as a potential donor for me, please click the link below and complete the Living Liver Donor Questionnaire and the Donor team at Northwestern Memorial Hospital will reach out to you. Thanks for your time and consideration.
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=jwOWJaQ-DE-u0QZutlRMO5Sl-FKEqh9Om-KZ8FKgjnZUN09FMkhMQU9LUk1HVUJDQTdPR0xDQVZMSC4u&lang=en
With gratitude,
Lauren
