GOOD NEWS: SHARI RECEIVED A NEW LIVER!

We are pleased to announce that Shari finally received the liver transplant she so desperately needed.  Her doctor finished the surgery Saturday night and said that it went very well. She is still recovering in the ICU, but is stable. 

We want to thank everyone for the unbelievable outpouring of love, support and prayers over the past three weeks. It has been an amazing source of comfort and inspiration and we have been touched by the kindness of strangers and friends alike. Shari will be overwhelmed when she learns the extent of the efforts that took place on her behalf across the nation.   

We are forever grateful to the donor’s family for this amazing gift and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. 

We hope that Shari’s situation has helped to draw attention to organ donation and that it will encourage those who may not have considered it before to become an organ donor. According to UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing), there are more than 89,000 people in the United States waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, with more than 17,000 awaiting a liver, illustrating the importance of organ donation. We know how hard the waiting can be and truly hope that everyone continues to spread the word for this urgent need so that other families can experience the joy that we are feeling today. 

Thanks again,

Shari’s Family, Friends & Colleagues

Comments

[JF]

I do not know Shari, but have been following her story since the beginning, having checked the Web site multiple times a day for updates. I am THRILLED to see the great news this morning. I wish her a speedy recovery, and much love and health in the future, including her upcoming wedding!

[SallyAnne]

I've been checking in every day, half afraid of what I might find. Three years ago (almost to this day) I discovered I'd need a liver transplant due to a fluke reaction to a medication I'd been given. Two-and-a-half years ago I received that transplant. I was lucky in that I had that half year to learn what I could about the process and to let the reality of the situation sink home. Shari is going to have to assimilate that while she's in the act of recovering. I don't know if that will make things harder for her or not, but let her know that we survivors are out there, and we do a good job of leaning on each other when we need to. She has only to look to her hospital for a support group, or to the web for people who know exactly what she's gone through. My best wishes for a speedy recovery and return to normal life.

[Michelle]

That's wonderful to hear! I've checked for updates daily and have posted this URL on my websites, just hoping that we would hear some good news!

Best wishes!

[a friend of a friend of Shari]

This is wonderful news! She has been in my thoughts over the past few weeks. While I don't know Shari at all, I can clearly see her strength and determination, as well as that of her friends and family. I can see that she is part of a blessed circle of love and am so happy that she was able to have the transplant. best wishes to all of you!

[Willa Porter]

What fantastic news!!!!

Congratulations to Shari & her family & friends, and God bless the family of the donor. What a beautiful and loving gift. My prayers are with you all, and especially with the family that is dealing with the loss of a loved one. I hope that the joy of Shari's family helps to heal some of your your pain. God bless you all!

[Luis F Castro]

I do not know Shari. A friend of mine does - Andrew Johnson. All I got say is that I was touched by her struggle and now am extremely relieved to learn that she got a gift that she will remember forever - the gift of life. I will donate blood on her behalf as soon as I have a chance.

LFC

[Karen Ranzer]

I'm an old camp friend of Shari's and have been checking the site everyday hoping for wonderful news. I'm so glad you are on the road to recovery Shari. You will be the happiest and healthiest bride!

[Amy]

What wonderful news! I do not know Shari but have several friends that do and I have been checking the website several times a day to track her progress. I am so happy to hear that she received a liver and am wishing her a speedy and healthy recovery!

[Vea Tiongson]

I don't know Shari... I found out about her story through a flyer that was handed to me 3 weeks ago in Manhattan... after reading it, I couldn't just throw it away and took it home with me. It touched my heart so much that I had to post it on a bulletin online. (Friendster.com) I'm so glad I checked back today... and have read this wonderful news! To Shari, her family and friends, congratulations!!!

[Madelyn]

I just had to write because I have been checking the website daily, and I was so thrilled to hear the good news. Shari should know that the entire Camp Romaca network from way back when was pulling for her...we all send our best wishes for a speedy recovery and a wonderful wedding in the future.

[debbi radford]

Thank God! I have been checking in several times a day just praying for this great news! While I do not personally know Shari, her story has touched me deeply, for whatever reason. I will continue to keep her in my prayers. Let the wedding march begin!

[laura salamone]

I was so happy to hear the wonderful news! I have been thinking about you non-stop and I am wishing you a quick recovery.
love, laura salamone

[Kim Ward]

I'm so happy to hear that Shari is on the road to recovery. I've been keeping up with the story and spreading the word whenever possible. She has received a precious gift and I hope the donor's loved ones also received some small peace of mind.

[A Fellow PR Friend]

I am beyond touched by the unity of people - both friends and strangers - to help Shari. She is going to be so moved by the sentiment, determination, thoughts, prayers and love that went on around her. My strength goes out to not only Shari, her fiancee and her family - for her safe and healthy recovery...but also to the family that lost someone dear to them. We all thank you for your generosity and your selfless nature in giving life from a tragic loss. Shari will continue to do great things with her (renewed) life...and will no doubt keep very much alive the soul that gave her a chance to live.

[A Friend]

Congratulations Shari! I do not know you, but was very touched after hearing about your story. I am so so so happy for you and your family and wish you the very best as you continue to recover.

[Eilleen]

Thank G-D! I am so happy for Shari. I do not know her, but like most of us, I have friends who know her. I have been checking this website everyday hoping to see what I found today! I wish her a speedy recovery. I am so happy for Shari and her family.

[Jason Gastwirth]

I am SO happy to hear that a liver was found for Shari! Shari was a year ahead of me growing up in Great Neck and I always remember her as a very friendly and kind person.

I am glad to see that good things do in fact happen to good people and wishing you a speedy recovery, Shari!

[Paul Duning]

Shari, What great news. I do not know you but, after learning more about you through the tremendous outreach, it is clear that you are obviously a very talented and much loved woman. Cheers, to you, your fiancé, family and friends.

[Karen]

Congratulations! I do not know you but I received an email last week with your story and have been following this website ever since. I'm so happy for you and hope your recovery goes well!

[Valerie]

What wonderful news! I am also Shari's age, work in the PR industry, and was married this spring. When I read her story I was incredibly touched. My thoughts and good wishes are with Shari... I hope that she has the opportunity to know what an impact her struggle has had on so many of us. I know that I have a different perspective on what is important and that I am appreciating each day with a renewed sense of fortune and purpose. All the best Shari.

[Alison Amsterdam]

Congratulations Shari! I wanted to let you know two things during your recovery...

1) You are in very capable hands at NYU. The transplant team is one of the best from the surgeons to the coordinators.

2) My best freind from college (also a fellow-Cornellian) had a transplant 8 years ago. It happened suddenly 2 months before she and (her now) husband were to be married. Yes, the recovery was difficult. Yes, there were times when she was discouraged. BUT, she made it through and so will you. Today she is a mother of a healthy little boy who is almost 2-years old and she is married to the same guy she was engaged to at the time of the transplant.

There is DEFINITELY a light at the end of the tunnel. Just keep focusing on it!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[Eileen Stone]

Congratulations...This is such great news. I am so happy for you and your family..What a great gift you have been given. Wishing you continued good Health, a speedy recovery and a life filled with Peace and Love...

[Steph Fabian]

I am so happy to hear that Shari has found a liver! I think this struggle for life and death brought about more than just a liver transplant; it showed us all proof that human spirit is strong and alive in all of us. It is amazing how so many people pulled together to help Shari so I thank her for uplifting my spirit! :)

[Lori Discolo]

I was so happy to hear the good news! I grew up in Great Neck and remembered Shari as soon as I saw her picture. I have been following her condition everyday and I am sincerely thrilled and relieved to hear that she received a liver and that the surgery went well. All the best!

[Jen (Berman) Dalva]

Until a year ago, I lived in Shari's building in NYC. We are the same age and I was recently married so Shari's condition really touched me. I have been checking the website daily and I am ecstatic to hear that Shari received a liver! Please let Shari and her family know that as a result of her story, I will be adding "organ donor" to my license when I get my name changed. Shari's situation made me realize the importance of becomming an organ donor. Good luck Shari! I will be thinking of you on October 15th. I know you will be a beautiful bride!

[Carla Loon Leader]

I am so happy to read this wonderful update. I don't know Shari, but know others who do. I have been following the story and put up flyers everywhere! How exciting that there is such a happy ending for her. I wish her the best and a wonderful happy wedding in a few months!!

[Victoria]

What encouraging news to learn that Shari has received her gift of life. While I only just recently learned of her plight, I am hopeful that Shari will have a full recovery. Her story and that of all the friends and strangers who helped her is an inspiration to us all.

[PR Industry Colleague]

I could not be happier about Shari receiving a liver transplant--I checked this site daily for updates and shared it with everyone I knew. My thoughts and prayers are with Shari, her fiance and family who will support her during the recory period. My prayers are also with the generous family who so kindly passed on the gift of life to someone in need.
Shari-i wish you the best--celebrate LIFE and LOVE at your wedding.

[Susan King]

We are just friends of a friend. We live way up in the Adirondack Mts. Have been praying for Shari. We've been through cancer and KNOW that prayers are heard and answered!

[Shawna Feinsod Goldfarb]

Shari and family,
I was so happy to hear of your successful liver transplant, as I have been following your story daily. May g-d watch over you now and forever. You deserve the beautiful wedding of a lifetime that you have dreamt of and I am so happy to learn that you will walk down the aisle soon enough.
All my best and stay strong.
With love and prayers,
Shawna
(GN North '92)

[Shawna Feinsod Goldfarb]

Shari and family,
I was so happy to hear of your successful liver transplant, as I have been following your story daily. May g-d watch over you now and forever. You deserve the beautiful wedding of a lifetime that you have dreamt of and I am so happy to learn that you will walk down the aisle soon enough.
All my best and stay strong.
With love and prayers,
Shawna

[Felice & Dave]

We were overcome with excitement and relief when we heard this amazing news over the weekend!!! We wish you, Rob and your family a lifetime of love, laughter and joy! Hang in there Shari! love, felice & dave

[Julie Cohen]

I am so happy to hear about the good news. I have checked this website constantly and was thrilled to see a happy ending. G-d bless Shari, her family and friends and all the people waiting for a transplant.
Julie

[Risa Goldberg]

This is wonderful news! We are so happy that she has a new liver and we wish Shari a speedy recovery!!!

[Tracy]

I am so relieved and thrilled that Shari got a liver! I've written before. My brother was in that same hospital last year at this time on the transplant unit awaiting a liver. September 13 will be his 1st anniversary of his new life!!! The transplant team there is truly amazing. Shari is in good hands! Praying for a very speedy recovery.
Tracy

[wendy fox]

I am so happy to hear the good news. We wish you a speedy recovery.

With love always,
the Fox family

[semgirl]

Words can not express how happy I am to hear this. May it be will of the Ribono Shel Olam that you should live a long happy prosperous live that is only full of joy and Yiddishe Nachas..

[Sharon Bailin]

Dear Shari and Family,

Stu, Sharon. Hillary and Allison were all at Camp Romaca with Shari. We all followed your plight the last few weeks and were thrilled that you finally received a liver. May you have a wonderful wedding day and beautiful life together. Please remember us all to your family. Fondly, the Bailins

[Melany LeBleu]

Congratulations!!!!
It brings tears to my eyes to know that the ultimate gift has been given once agian.
My prayers go out to you Shari for a speedy recovery and to your wonderful family. My prayers also go out to your donor's family at this difficult time.
We were only married 3 months when at the age of 22 my husband recieved his liver transplant. He is now 6 1/2 months out. The cause is still unknown, but his new liver is working great. The way we look at it is that every marriage goes through a difficult and trying time, only ours came in the beginning and made us stronger.
I didn't think it was possible, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, life does go on and it is even more beautiful now than it ever was before.
Shari, congratulations again on both your new gift and your wedding. May your wedding day be memorable, your marriage blessed and your life long.

With love, Melany

[Debby]

I am both relieved and overjoyed to read about Shari's successful transplant upon returning to this site to check on the status of her situation. Shari, my parents are good friend and neighbors of Shelli Harris (apparently a close friend of your parents) and all of Glen Head Country Club has been praying and thinking of you. On another note, I am also your age and my husband and I were married and the Woodbury Jewish Center in May '03. I can promise that you will have the most perfect wedding you could imagine! Live your life to the fullest. You and your family are a true inspiration to everyone. Mazel Tov.

Debby Cotton (daughter of Phyllis and Barry Furst)

[Phyllis Nathan]

Mazel Tov on the new liver. I have been praying for your recovery. You have so much to live for. Make your life count and by all means...enjoy it. You will continue to be on my prayer list and in my thoughts, although I am a total stranger who read about your plight on my cousin's blog. By the way the prayers I make are to a "universal cosmic judge" who is not part of any organized religion, so you can consider them wishes or appeals if you don't embrace a religious belief. Good luck.

[Jennifer Keene]

Such happy news! Best wishes from a fellow Cornellian.

[Deb J. IL]

I just wanted to say how wonderful it is to hear that Shari received a new liver! And to thank her brother for emailing me during their families trama to try to send me helpful information for a friend of mine, Nathan, who looked to be needing a new liver at the same time. They still don't know what caused Nathan's illness, but you will be happy to know things took a turn for the better and he is home now and doing well. Thank you and congradulations again.

[Elaine Taylor-Gordon]

We at Womensbiz.US, along with our readers and visitors to our website, www.womensbiz.us, have been following your progress and praying for your survival and fast recovery. We are so grateful that you found the right donor and hope you can return to a promising and exciting life that shouldn't have become at risk so prematurely. Best wishes for your continued good health and our hopes that this can be put behind you as one of those accidental blips on an otherwise calm sea.

[crystal lee]

Shari,

Just wanted to let you know that I've been transferred from the NY office to Shanghai! I'm so glad to see that you're recovering and hope when I come back to visit next year you will be sitting in your office, conducting great client work as usual!

Best,
Crystal Lee