There were no warning signs, at least none that Dr. Brad Shwidock could readily detect. The dentist, who lives and practices in Stamford, had gone for a routine physical and shortly afterward got the devastating news: He had a severely diseased liver and would need a transplant.
"It was pretty overwhelming," says Shwidock. He was 30 years old. He and his wife, Carol, had just welcomed a brand-new baby girl into the world. He'd been anticipating a wonderful future.
"I was given seven to 10 years to get a transplant, or I'd be dead," he recalls.
That was 21 years ago. Shwidock altered his prognosis by addressing the issue head-on, and was able to reclaim his life by eventually undergoing the liver transplant. Now he's helping to raise funds for liver-disease advocacy, education and research, and awareness about the importance of organ donation, by participating in the American Liver Foundation's Liver Life Walk at Stamford's Cove Island Park on Sept. 26.
Shwidock stretched the 10-year limit he was given to live without a transplant by becoming a vegetarian and working with a naturopathic physician.
"It got me 17 years," says Shwidock. The disease eventually took its toll, however, and the time came when a transplant was imperative.
It took several tries some of which involved actual prepping for surgery -- before a match was found, putting Shwidock and his family on an emotional rollercoaster. Finally, on Dec. 16, 2008, a viable liver became available. Shwidock underwent a successful transplant operation the next day.
"When you go through something like this, you really do feel like you've got a second chance," said Shwidock, adding that he didn't consider the possibility of not receiving a liver. "I never thought that. I never allowed that thought in."
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