Local man meets in person organ donor's family to thank them for saving his life

WATERVLIET, N.Y. (NEWS10) — It’s not every day you get to meet your organ donor. This Sunday a local man had the opportunity to say thank you to the family of the man who saved his life.

Three and a half years ago, Todd Farrell needed a liver transplant to survive. He was told by his doctor that he only had close to 14 days to live if he didn’t receive one. On day six, he was lucky enough that one was available for him. Sunday, he was at the Arsenal City Tavern where he met Susan Havens, the mother of the man who gave him a second chance at life.

Three and a half years ago Todd was a different person than the man he is today and that was because of alcohol.

“I was a mess,” said Farrell. “Before it was this, it started as casual drinking, and then it got worse and worse and worse. And then the last year before, it was deadly.”

Farrell went to rehab and got out but felt worse than he did going in. He went to Saint Peters with his wife Amy, and the news of his liver failing was a hard pill to swallow.

“The doctors were talking through a glass door and Amy’s crying, and they came in and they said, there’s nothing else you can do,” said Farrell.

There ended up being a bed at Westchester Medical Center and within six days Todd got Christopher’s liver. Christopoher passed away only a few days before this from a car accident leaving behind his wife, his children and his family. He was only 20 years old.

“I promised Christopher’s mom, Susan I promised the whole family I would not waste his liver. So, I take care of his liver. It’s not my liver; my liver is gone. I have Christopher’s liver, and he lives through me,” said Farrell.

Farrell has been sober ever since and told News10s Tyanna Xavier that he feels a million times better than he has in the past 30 years.

A little while after receiving the liver Farrell and Havens got in contact and have been texting but have never seen each other’s face in person or heard each other’s voice until Sunday.

News10’s Tyanna Xavier asked Susan “What is it like seeing him, happy and healthy?” She responded “It’s good. Yeah, I’m glad that he’s healthy and he got a second chance,” said Havens.

Not only did Christopher save Farrell’s life, but he saved three others as well.

“He saved four people in total. It was each of his kidneys, his heart and his liver…I think it helps to know that he’s not completely gone,” said Havens.

At the reunion Farrell gave Havens a gift to show her how much Christopher’s liver means to him. The gift was a painting of Havens favorite picture of Christopher.

As both of them were tearing up, it was a beautiful moment that both sides will not forget.

“We’re family now,” said Havens.

Farrell’s and Christopher’s story show the power of organ donation. Turning loss into life, and grief into gratitude. If you or you know anyone who is interested in becoming an organ donor you can visit DonatelifeNYS.org.

Tyanna Xavier

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