John Guerrero's transplant journey

A long time Jacksonville resident and friend is needing some love and support from a community that he has dedicated over 35 years to. In early May of this year, John Guerrero, was diagnosed with liver disease and within months it was clear he would need a transplant. He went through the difficult process required to get on the OHSU organ transplant list and has been awaiting news for a viable liver to become available. This is devastating news not only to his friends and family, but also to the Applegate winemaking community that he has dedicated a large majority of his life to. John was integral to wineries such as Valley View and Wooldridge and has supported many restaurants and businesses in and around Jacksonville. Last week John received word that he had been placed on the list and was required to drop everything and make his way to Portland to be available, at a moment’s notice, for this life saving procedure.

Part of the requirements for acceptance onto the transplant list was assigning an advocate/caregiver to remain by his side throughout the entire process. It was at this point that his former partner and forever friend, my sister Sarah Farnsworth, signed a contract with OHSU promising that she would help him make medical decisions, stay with him in Portland while waiting for a viable organ, during surgery and the 3+ months it will take to recover. OHSU requires that the recipient and advocate remain no further than 90 minutes away from the hospital at all times. It is also required that the advocate not work or participate in any activity that would take them away from the care and needs of the recipient. Without an advocate/caregiver John would not have been permitted to continue with the donor process. This was an easy decision for Sarah as John had supported her through many difficult times and she was more than willing to reciprocate. As they dropped everything last week, to drive to Portland, she was faced with the full financial impact this will have on both their lives. While insurance pays for John’s hospital stay, Sarah is having to pay for a hotel, meals and gas out of her own pocket. Unable to work during this time, she will be having to support this stay while having no income to replenish her dwindling savings. After John is released from the hospital, Sarah will be acting as caregiver for months while he recuperates in a hotel, as there is no long-term hospital housing available.

This process has been a physical and emotional roller-coaster for John as he has already been prepped for three separate livers in the past week and all of them have been, unfortunately, not viable. It is difficult to push pride aside and ask for help sometimes, so that is why I am doing it for them. Jacksonville is a small town that loves and rallies around it’s community members when they are in need. I know many in this community have had interactions with John or Sarah in one way or another, whether it was John supplying wine for a fundraising function or having dinner in one of your restaurants, or Sarah giving you a chic haircut or pouring you a much-needed beer at the Tavern. This is a perfect opportunity to show how much you love your neighbors. So, please, keep John in your thoughts and prayers, donate to help him through this devastating time and share this with your friends and family that may know and love John or Sarah. Blessings during this holiday season.

-Vanessa Farnsworth