Liver Donor For Dustyn Block-Vargas

02/01/2026

As this year comes to an end I’m sitting with a heart full of gratitude. There was a moment not long ago when I wasn’t sure I would make it to see another New Year. Surviving a liver transplant has changed me in ways I’m still discovering and simply being here today feels like a miracle.

This year took everything I had, but it also gave me life, perspective, and a future I don’t take for granted for even a second. I’m so incredibly thankful to have made it through and to be able to look ahead to years I once wasn’t sure I’d have.

I also want to acknowledge the donor and their family. Because of their selfless gift, I am here. While I’m celebrating, I know this season must have been unimaginably difficult for them. Facing the holidays and the New Year without their loved one. I carry them with me every day and I honor their loss by living this life as fully and gratefully as I can.

As the New Year begins I move forward with humility, hope, and a deep appreciation for life. For second chances and for the people who made mine possible. 💚 Happy New Year!
- Dustyn

16/12/2025

After 4 long months at Toronto General Hospital, I’m finally home. There are no words big enough to express my gratitude.

Thank you to my surgeon, the entire transplant team, and every healthcare provider who cared for me along the way. To the incredible nurses in ICU and on the transplant ward (7A&B); your skill, compassion and constant presence carried me through the hardest days. I will never forget what you did for me.

To my donor and their family, thank you for the most selfless gift imaginable. Because of you, I was given another chance at life. 💚

Recovery continues with ongoing strengthening at home one day at a time. I’m so deeply grateful for the care, prayers, love, and support that carried me through to this moment.

https://gofund.me/a48c0eeb7
https://www.amazon.ca/registries/gl/guest-view/2KW8AWUY4KIIT?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_ggr-subnav-share_BG58G0D3DV96YHZVWB1H_2&language=en-US

10/12/2025

Recovery update:

Feeling grateful for the progress these past few days. I’ve been up and walking; slowly getting my strength back. I've been celebrating every small win. The care team is happy with how things are going and there’s even a chance I could be home by the end of the week if everything stays on track.

One day at a time...so thankful for this second chance at life. Thanks for all the love and support along the way. 💚✨

https://gofund.me/a48c0eeb7
https://www.amazon.ca/registries/gl/guest-view/2KW8AWUY4KIIT?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_ggr-subnav-share_BG58G0D3DV96YHZVWB1H_2&language=en-US

23/11/2025

We’re so happy to share some amazing news Dustyn is officially out of the ICU after almost 3 months!

He has been moved to the transplant ward and is doing really well so far in his recovery. His medical team is pleased with his progress, and every day he’s getting a little stronger. This is a huge step forward and we are incredibly grateful for all the support, prayers, and encouragement everyone has been sending.

Thank you to everyone who has been lifting him up. Please keep the positive thoughts coming as he continues healing.

Each moment brings progress and this marks such an important moment in his recovery. 💚

https://gofund.me/d6c7665c9

13/11/2025

Good news! This morning Dustyn received an incredible gift of life, a successful liver transplant. After a long and difficult journey, his surgery went well. His new liver is working as hoped. We are beyond grateful to the amazing surgical and medical teams who made this possible, and to the donor and their family for giving such a selfless gift. This transplant marks a new beginning for Dustyn, and we’re filled with hope and gratitude for the days ahead. He is now on the road to recovery 💪

05/11/2025

Hi everyone, this is Amanda, Dustyn's fiancee writing on his behalf.

It's hard to put into words what the past two months have been like. Dustyn was admitted to the transplant ward on August 24th and continues to remain in the ICU.

It's been up and down over these past months, with some scary moments and close calls. Thanks to the incredible ICU doctors and nurses Dustyn is still with us today. Despite everything Dustyn continues to fight through every challenge, his strength and determination are truly inspiring. He is the strongest person I know. ❤️

He's currently waiting for his life-saving transplant. Hoping that any day now the surgery could happen.

Thank you all for your continued love and support, it truly means the world to us 💚
We have an Amazon wishlist of things that would help him and I get through his recovery once he gets his surgery and is home from transplant.
https://www.amazon.ca/registries/gl/guest-view/2KW8AWUY4KIIT?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_ggr-subnav-share_10FYXBGF1K637K6GD28H&language=en-US

07/09/2025

Hi everyone, I haven't posted in a little while as my condition has gotten worse and I've been finding it difficult to find the energy. A week ago I was admitted to Toronto General Hospital into the Ajmera transplant ward and I am still currently here getting taken care of. The month before being admitted I was slowly declining. I was having soreness in my abdomen, my fluid retention and ascites was making me extremely uncomfortable, it was making it difficult for me to breathe. My brain was foggy and confused and I felt like I could barely move. I was so weak.

A lot has changed in this past month for me. Right now my treatment plan has been updated. When I was admitted they noted that I had acute kidney injury due to how advanced my liver disease has become.

When I was considered for the two options of living liver donors a few months ago my liver MELD score (a number given to measure the severity of liver disease) was around 17-20, and I was not considered as urgent. They've decided that those donors would not be a good fit for me now. My current MELD score is 40, which is where the meld score caps at. My bilirubin levels are extremely high as my common bile duct is so narrow from scarring it is preventing proper bile flow.

Currently the doctors and nurses are managing my acute kidney injury. I've also gone through another ERCP, in which they were successful in placing a stent to dilate my bile duct to improve bile flow. I'm currently on hold for a transplant until I get a PET scan to rule out any cancers as a precaution. From there it's just hoping and waiting to get considered for a transplant soon. Until then I'm taking it day by day, doing my best to stay strong and keep positive. - Dustyn

13/06/2025

Quick health update

As per my last post I’ve been dealing with some fluid build-up, which is unfortunately a common part of how PSC progresses. I’ve been prescribed diuretics (which help remove fluid by making me urinate more, but can be hard on the kidneys). Thankfully they’ve started helping and from recent blood work my kidneys are handling the new meds well so far. I’ve also been really focusing on eating a clean, low-sodium diet to help manage the swelling and it's made a difference.

I ended up having the ERCP procedure recently in hopes they could place a stent and break up some stones they found in my bile ducts to help improve bile flow. Unfortunately, similar to when I had this procedure last time a few years ago it was not successful. My bile ducts are too narrow and scarred for them to pass through. Luckily, I’ve had no complications after the ERCP. For now, the team is working to keep me stable while I wait to hear more about a future transplant.

The unknowns and waiting are hard, but your support continues to keep me going. If you’ve been wanting to help, I do have an Amazon gift list with things that will help me through this recovery journey (no pressure at all).

https://www.amazon.ca/registries/gl/guest-view/2KW8AWUY4KIIT

Thank you all for being in my corner ❤️
- Dustyn

19/05/2025

Health Update

I wanted to share a quick update on my health and where things stand right now. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been dealing with swelling in my legs due to fluid buildup. This is actually a symptom of PSC as it progresses and it’s a sign that things are becoming more advanced. Because of that, my doctors have started me on new medications to help manage the swelling.
At the same time, my bilirubin levels are the highest they’ve ever been. A recent MRI showed some stones in my bile duct, which adds more complexity to everything going on.

Right now, they are closely monitoring me for something called Cholangitis, which is an infection that people with PSC are at higher risk for. It happens when bile can’t drain properly from the liver due to blockages or scarring, and it can lead to serious complications if not caught early.
In the meantime, I’m still waiting to hear from the transplant team about their decision. My liver specialist is really advocating for me and pushing to get the transplant scheduled sooner rather than later, especially since my condition could get worse quickly.

She mentioned the possibility of doing an ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography), which is a procedure that can help clear out bile duct stones and improve bile flow. However, there are risks with this procedure especially for someone with severe scarring like I have. A few years ago, they weren’t able to complete an ERCP because my bile ducts were too narrowed from scarring. So for now, they’re holding off unless it looks like I’ll have to wait much longer for a transplant. If that’s the case, they’ll likely go ahead and schedule one to try and break up the stones. It’s kind of a waiting game to see if the transplant will happen sooner or if we’ll have to take more steps in the meantime. It’s a tough place to be, but I’m staying hopeful and doing what I can to take care of myself day by day.

Hoping for answers soon.Thank you so much for all your support 💚

-Dustyn

https://www.amazon.ca/registries/gl/guest-view/2KW8AWUY4KIIT

21/04/2025

**Update about my search for a living liver donor**

An exciting update about what’s next for me! The transplant team recently let me know that there is another person who’s being considered as an option for a living liver donor! They’re looking closely at both donor options and weighing the risks and best chances at the most optimal fit and recovery. This new donor’s liver graft would have Hepatitis C. This might sound scary, however it's treatable after transplant. I would go through antiviral treatments that are effective in curing Hepatitis C in liver transplant patients. The liver graft from this donor would be larger and would not require the removal of my spleen. The team is being super thorough and making sure every angle is covered before moving forward on what option they think is best for me. While I wait to hear the decision and to receive a surgery date I've been trying my best to stay preoccupied and work on being as strong as possible before I get my transplant.

I’ve been blown away at the amount of support I've had from my family, the transplant community and kind strangers. It gives me strength on tough days. I'd like to give thanks again to everyone who has sent items from my Amazon transplant gift list. It's going to help for a more comfortable recovery. I’ve linked it below if you’d like to contribute, but there is no pressure or obligation to purchase anything. 💚

- Dustyn

https://www.amazon.ca/registries/gl/guest-view/2KW8AWUY4KIIT

03/03/2025

I wanted to give a huge thank you to everyone who has sent me something from my Amazon wish list! I seriously appreciate it more than I can say. I’ll be saving everything for after my transplant surgery. It's going to make things easier and more comfortable when the time comes. It truly means so much to have your support, and I’m incredibly grateful! 💚

27/12/2024

Full video now on Youtube! 💚 Nós Portugueses

Dustyn-Block Vargas era um jovem como qualquer outro, dedicado ao seu trabalho e nos primeiros passos da construção da sua vida adulta com a su...