Gregory Harruff

Greg Harruff

Transplant Type: Liver

Greg Harruff is fighting for his life. For several years, he experienced fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea, but wrote them off as something minor. However, by 2014, he could no longer ignore that something was wrong. Tests revealed he had Primary Biliary Cholangitis, a non-alcohol related liver condition. Greg’s illness is progressive, and will eventually lead to complete liver failure. Doctors say a liver transplant is critical to his survival. 

During this difficult time, Greg is grateful for the love and support of his wife of 36 years, Liam, and their family and friends. Greg and Liam have a 26-year old daughter, Emily, and his illness prevents him from being the active husband and father he longs to be. Greg’s extreme fatigue prevents him from being able to do even simple day-to-day tasks like cleaning or cooking—and his illness also affects his concentration and short-term memory, making it hard for him to even be able to follow written instructions. His illness takes a huge toll on his quality of life.

Greg looks forward to receiving a transplant that will save his life and allow him to feel like himself again. He used to enjoy camping, cooking with Liam, going for scenic drives, and taking vacations, but he is no longer able to do any of those things now. He’s also unable to travel to visit his daughter, which is difficult. Greg wants nothing more than to be healthy so he will be able to have a normal life with his family, have restored energy, and no longer suffer from memory and concentration issues. But right now he needs your help.

The average liver transplant costs approximately $878,000, and that’s only the beginning. Even with insurance, which will cover a portion of the transplant costs, he still faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and expensive anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

Greg lives 120 miles from his transplant center, and traveling back and forth for appointments can be expensive. When he receives his transplant, he will have to stay nearby while he recovers, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging. Greg’s declining health forced him to stop working at the end of 2015, further adding to his financial burdens.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Greg. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT South Carolina Transplant Fund, 3249 W. Sarazens Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125. Please be sure to write "in honor of Greg Harruff” on the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: MUSC