David Wheelis

Type of Donation:          liver recipient

Age and Location:          Age 36 – Oklahoma City, OK

Donation Date:             10/05/2015

Sponsor:                   Honored by LifeShare of Oklahoma

DAVID’S STORY

David Wheelis, of Oklahoma City, wakes up grateful every day he is alive. His life is forever changed thanks to his wife, who at the time was his girlfriend, who saved his life five years ago.

In 2010, David learned he had a rare liver disease. At first, he had anxiety and a fear of the unknown – not fully knowing what would happen. After receiving his diagnosis, he knew he would eventually need a transplant, so he began to accept his diagnosis and eventual treatment.

He worked on himself to attempt to delay the disease, such as leading a healthy lifestyle by watching what he was eating and exercising. He kept his faith that if he took care of the little things like his day-to-day tasks, the big things would take care of themselves.

When David began showing signs of liver failure, he and his girlfriend who is now his wife, Misti, visited his Hepatologist and discussed his options. As soon as the doctor mentioned he could potentially have a living donor, Misti knew she wanted to be tested to save David’s life by donating a part of her liver to him.

Misti underwent different exams and tests to ensure she was a candidate to donate part of her liver to David. She eventually learned that she could donate to him, and they began to set a transplant date.

After surgery, David woke up relieved and thankful he made it through the transplant. He began to look healthier immediately and did so well that he beat Misti out of the hospital after recovery.

David’s life was forever changed by the irreplaceable gift of life. Misti was touched by all the wonderful people they worked with through the donation process and became a nurse. The couple has since married and now have a daughter, Katherine, who is 18 months old. They spend every day together, grateful for the gift of life.