Ten years ago, flight attendant Ilene Feder was diagnosed with a very rare disease that resulted in liver failure. A year later, Ilene was lucky enough to receive a healthy, perfectly matched liver. Driven by a strong sense of gratitude and a need to give back, Ilene immediately became active in promoting organ donation and is now the president of the Sherman Oaks, CA chapter of the Transplant Recipients International Organization (TRIO).

Ilene's Story

My name is Ilene Feder and this is my story, how my life was “transformed” nearly ten years ago.

It started in the fall of 1995. I had just celebrated my 40th birthday the past June. I was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. I had been a flight attendant for over 15 years, spending almost 10 years in New York City.

I came home from an international flight and did not feel well. It was pretty unusual for me not to be feeling well. I had no previous illnesses and was a very active person. I was an avid runner, skier and scuba diver.

When I went to see my doctor for a regular check up, the results showed that my liver levels were elevated. After being referred to UCLA, I was diagnosed with Budd-Chiari Syndrome, a very rare disease resulting in a blood clot in my hepatic artery leading to my liver. The doctors deemed it essential to perform a liver shunt or by-pass of the obstructed artery.

It was a very difficult time for me. One day I was healthy and fine, the next, very sick. After the by-pass, I began to recover slowly. However, by June of the next year, I was very fatigued and my stomach was greatly distended. My liver was failing me. The shunt obviously was not working. I needed a liver transplant.

Because of the generosity and loss of a stranger, I received a new liver on August 20, 1996. In the hospital I was told that I received a very healthy liver, and one that was a perfect match. However, as with most major surgeries, I’ve had a couple of setbacks, but I have always maintained a positive attitude.

I immediately became very involved in the world of transplantation. I needed to give back what I so freely received. There are not enough words to express my gratitude, so I am letting my actions show my thanks. I joined the Coalition on Donation’s campaign urging people to “Share Your Life, Share Your Decision, Become an Organ Donor.”

Today, I am the president of the Sherman Oaks Chapter of Transplant Recipient International Organization (TRIO). Our very small but strong group was able to raise enough money to contribute meaningfully to organ donation awareness efforts. As a result we chose to support the Donate Life Rose Parade Float and I was selected by our group to ride on behalf of our organization. It is such an honor and privilege to be a part of this very exciting experience. It truly is “magical.”

In closing, I would like to dedicate this honor to the memory of three persons who were an important part of our group: Lewis Arquette, Paul Gold and our past president, Joel Bennett, who all will be missed and remembered.