Wayne’s Liver Transplant Journey

Lets walk alongside him as he has for us all

Hi, everyone, I am Morgan, Wayne Cook’s daughter in-law. I am reaching out to you for your help.

 In 1985, Wayne contracted Hepatitis C from tainted plasma.  Wayne took the original Hepatitis C (horrific 18 month treatment) over 20 years ago and cleared the hepatitis C but due to years of damage to the liver and the harsh treatment, he was diagnosed with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in (cirrhosis of the liver) in the Fall of 2022.

This is going to be a very long journey for Wayne and we are asking you all to help walk alongside him however you can, to help with the mounting medical expenses (out of pocket medication costs, numerous long distance travel to doctor appointments, requiring overnight stays as well as additional travel and testing as he is on a list in several states). Liver transplant recipients pay 20% out of pocket. That’s a hefty number. One Wayne did not foresee when he had to retire. Your help will ease the financial stress for future treatments and financial obligations. This will allow him to focus on his health, treatments, and recovery. Wayne was diagnosed with severe hemophilia B at age 6.

For nearly 40 years Wayne has been an active member of the bleeding disorder community by volunteering and advocating for those in need. His willingness to help others and make a difference was an integral contribution to the fight for the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund Act of 1998. Unfortunately those who contracted hepatitis C were never compensated.

Wayne has sat on the board of directors for organizations such as Hemophilia Federation of America, The National Bleeding Disorder Foundation as well as becoming chapter president for the Bleeding Disorders Association of Eastern New York and Bleeding Disorders Association of the Southern Tier.  In 2006, Wayne has been the president of The Coalition for Hemophilia B.

Wayne is dedicated to using his experiences to improve the quality of life of all affected by hemophilia. He urges the community to “get out there, get involved and enjoy living life to its fullest.”

As a family, we are eternally grateful for your continued support and unwavering generosity.No contribution is too small. We realize this will take a village and we also ask for your continued prayers for Wayne.  Your phone calls and outreach have made a world of difference as this is a scary place to be but your love and care fills his heart and gives him strength. You make a difference.

Thank you all.

Update 1/29/2025:

Update on Wayne’s Recovery 

We are incredibly grateful to share that Wayne’s open heart surgery went well, and his liver transplant was a success! He has been fighting through this journey with incredible strength, and we are beyond thankful for the amazing doctors, surgeons, and medical team at Cleveland Clinic who made this possible. Most importantly, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the selfless donor and their family—your generosity has given our dad a second chance at life, and we will forever hold you in our hearts. As part of his recovery, Wayne will need to stay in Cleveland for at least three months for close monitoring and follow-up care once he is released from the hospital. 

While we are overjoyed by his progress, the extended stay comes with significant costs for medical care, housing and travel, and we are reaching out for support. Any contribution, big or small, will help ease this financial burden and allow us to focus on his healing. 

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your continued prayers, love, and generosity. We will keep you updated on his journey and appreciate every bit of support along the way. 

With love and gratitude,

The Cook family