Beloved Milford grandmother with end-stage liver disease makes emotional appeal for gift of life
Kimberly Godo-Pierelli, of Milford, says she "could spiral at any time and be in critical condition."
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A 59-year-old beloved matriarch who has end-stage liver disease is appealing for a live donor to give her a portion of their liver.
Kimberly Godo-Pierelli, of Milford, says she "could spiral at any time and be in critical condition."
"I cannot receive a deceased liver because I have rare antibodies in my blood that would reject it," she said.
"I have two grandsons I am extremely close to, and I'd hate for them not to remember me because I love them so much - and I have a 25-year-old son with autism who counts on me," she said.
"My husband and my children - I just want to be here longer to enjoy them and to make memories with them," she said.
News 12 put Godo-Pierelli in touch Tuesday with double organ-transplant recipient Jen Benson, whose New Canaan-based nonprofit, the Transplant Journey Inc, helps people get the gift of life.
"Frank Recchia and News 12 and I have worked together in the past and we've saved four lives. I'm happy to work together again, now, on behalf of Kimberly," Benson said.
Benson - who received a kidney and pancreas 10 years ago this week - said "a donor would give a lobe - a portion of their liver - which would then begin to regenerate immediately."
Anyone who would like to consider being a donor can contact Kimberly directly at (203) 494-5670.
