It’s been one year since Logan willingly went to surgery to save my life. We both made a conscious decision that a combined surgery was the best option for me to continue living. It was an important decision and very necessary. I’m very thankful to be alive today.
In last year’s post immediately after surgery: April 16th Post: Yes It’s Crazy, I wrote:
It’s amazing to be part of this process – these surgeons are the best of the best, and work at the hospital that has done the most live donor transplants in the United States. We are their experiments; a group of 5 or more doctors crowd around the bottom of the bed and talk about us like we aren’t there. At the end of their intellectual discussion, they allow us to ask any questions and treat us like patients again. It’s a surreal experience – the surgeries and the outpouring of support we’ve seen.
Words will never be able to express how grateful I am to everyone in my life. There’s a lot of feelings and memories around this time of the year: going through 2 liver transplants and a third surgery in an attempt to save the first graft is a life-changing experience. I recommend against going through that type of experience unless absolutely necessary.
A living donor is a special type of person: It’s one thing to be sick and want help, but it’s entirely different to be perfectly healthy and willingly go through pain and suffering to save a loved one. I wrote this during recovery and would like to share it one year after my life was saved the first time:
Logan,
Thank You. I realize more every day how much you’ve given me and how fortunate I am. I have no idea where I would be today without you. You have given me my life back. I will never be able to reciprocate what you did for me, but I will try. There are many weeks, months, and years for me to show you my appreciation. I am sorry you had to go through the pain and suffering. When you stood in my hospital room when I was re-listed, and told you I needed you to get stronger, I knew you understood. I need you when I’m hurt. I also want to share in all the joy I feel. I hope I can share as much love and generosity in my life and death as you have done for me.
I will always love you and never gonna give you up again,
Derek
The Derek Janiak Hepatobiliary Forum 
You and Logan are on an amazing journey that Mom and I feel privileged to support and witness. I remember well that day one year ago – it was very surreal of course and we are both extremely excited for your future adventures. Love always. Dad
What a beautiful relationship you have. You are perfect compliments and such a blessing to each other and an inspiration to others.