How a liver transplant saved my life: One recipient’s journey with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)

I knew something was wrong when I started experiencing symptoms in the fall of 2024. I began having fevers and chills that I couldn’t seem to recover from. Soon after, I lost my appetite, my energy disappeared and fatigue became a constant part of my life. I lost a significant amount of muscle mass and became very thin. As a former professional athlete, you can imagine how alarming that felt. 

After meeting with the team at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, we learned that a liver transplant would be the next step. At first, that news was shocking. But after some time to process it — and with the support of my faith, family and friends — it became “game on.” 

I went through the transplant evaluation process and committed to doing everything within my control to stay as healthy as possible. I continued working out, which gave me strength physically, mentally and emotionally. I focused on eating healthy foods and increasing my protein intake, which is especially important for people with PSC who often lose muscle mass. I knew my body was hurting, so I did everything I could to help it. 

It was a new way of life, and I totally bought in. 

Preparing for a liver transplant 

I continued living life as normally as possible. I kept working and coaching hockey. I was fortunate to be able to do that, because many patients simply cannot. 

Every day became an opportunity to prepare for surgery, and after that, my faith took over. 

I had been on the waiting list for roughly three to four months when I received the life-saving, life-changing phone call. 

Actually, I missed the call. 

It was 7:00 a.m. on January 3, 2025. My surgeon, Julie, had called. I immediately called her back, and after a brief conversation, a rush of emotions came over me all at once — happiness, sadness, excitement, overwhelm, gratitude and a surge of adrenaline. 

There was so much unknown ahead of me, but I had never felt more confident. 

I was totally bought into the next step of my life. 

The first person I called was my then-girlfriend, now fiancée. I simply said, “I got the call.” 

We said a quick prayer, and from that moment on, it was all hands on deck. 

It was time to start a new life. 

It was time to fight. 

I grabbed the last few things I needed and started the drive to Rochester. 

Heading to liver transplant surgery

When I arrived at Mayo Clinic, I felt like the red carpet had been rolled out for me. Everyone was in place, kind, direct and focused on helping me understand each step of the process. 

When it was finally time to head into surgery, I felt strong and confident because of the incredible team around me. 

The people at Mayo Clinic are part of my family now. I owe my life to them. 

Because of an organ donor, I am here today

Life after transplant has been absolutely amazing. 

This journey has been nothing short of incredible, and I am in awe every day. 

But I cannot talk about life after transplant without talking about my donor. 

Simply put, I would not be here today without them. 

I hope someday I have the opportunity to meet my donor’s family. That would be something truly special. 

To my donor: your generous, life-saving gift is one of the most selfless acts I can imagine. Because of you, I can continue living my life. I can pursue my goals and aspirations. I can marry the love of my life. I can start a family. I can enjoy all the simple things that are actually the most meaningful. 

Thank you will never be enough, but it comes from the deepest place in my heart. 

Life after my liver transplant 

I was back to working out not long after surgery and experienced very few complications. I know how fortunate I am, and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t recognize that. 

Through hard work, focus, sacrifice, resilience, perseverance, an incredible support system, and ultimately God, I am living life as if I never had surgery. 

For that, I am beyond grateful. 

Today, I am back working as a commercial airline pilot. I am coaching hockey at Minnetonka High School, where I am proud to be an alumnus. I am getting married this summer. And I am living life to the fullest every single day. 

I am also proud to serve as an ambassador for LifeSource. That role is especially meaningful to me because it allows me to give back to a community that helped me during one of the most difficult times in my life. 

I also hope to be a resource for others — whether they’re waiting for a transplant, considering donation, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for a community that understands. 

What my organ donor taught me about life 

Being an organ donor literally saves lives. 

I am living proof of that. 

Organ donation is one of the most selfless acts a person can make. It brings people together and creates an incredibly special community. 

I have always been a registered donor. I remember checking the box when I got my driver’s license. To be honest, I didn’t think deeply about it at the time. I just knew it was the right thing to do. 

Today, I understand what that decision truly means. 

Someone else’s decision to be a donor saved my life. 

One day, your decision could save someone else’s. 

I’ve also learned firsthand about the extraordinary system that supports donation: from donor families and LifeSource to hospitals, physicians, surgeons, nurses and transplant teams. The amount of care, coordination, professionalism and respect involved in every donation is remarkable. 

I would not hesitate to trust my loved ones to that system. 

And if you ever have questions or concerns about donation, I am always happy to share my experience. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. 

If there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s the importance of perspective. 

Be grateful. 

Be thankful. 

Live in the present. 

Slow down. 

The little things are what truly matter. 

With a deep amount of gratitude, 

Steve Johnson 

About the author: Steve Johnson 

Steve Johnson received a life-saving liver transplant in January 2025 after being diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). A commercial airline pilot, hockey coach, former professional athlete and LifeSource ambassador; Steve is passionate about sharing his experience to inspire others and highlight the impact of organ donation. He believes deeply in gratitude, faith, resilience and making the most of every day.