In April 2024, Steven Register, a 42-year-old former MLB pitcher, faced a devastating diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer after losing considerable weight and experiencing appetite loss. The prognosis was grim; doctors estimated he had between one year to a year-and-a-half to live unless he received a liver transplant, which was deemed his best option for survival. Working tirelessly in collaboration with his wife, Beth, they sought out potential solutions, including undergoing initial treatments at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Unfortunately, as they progressed, surgery plans were thwarted when it was revealed that the tumors were too large, leading them to consider the possibility of a living liver donor.
In a desperate effort, Beth Register created a Facebook group to rally support and attract potential living liver donors. The unexpected twist occurred when Kristin Johnston, a 40-year-old preschool teacher from Roswell, Georgia, stumbled upon the post. Having been a high school classmate of Steven’s over 20 years ago, she felt moved to act. This reconnection sparked disbelief and hope as Register expressed his astonishment at Johnston’s willingness to help. The pair hadn’t communicated since their school days, making her decision to come forward even more remarkable.
Kristin’s journey toward donation began with a simple inquiry about blood type compatibility, which turned out to be a perfect match. Both were B positive, and with a strong desire to assist, Johnston offered to donate part of her liver. The day she received the confirmation that she was a match coincided with Good Friday, lending a sense of serendipity to the situation. The impending surgery, projected to last between 12 to 14 hours, was expected to involve removing 70% of Johnston’s liver, which would regenerate over time, offering both individuals a renewed opportunity for health.
The decision to undergo such a significant procedure highlights not only the seriousness of Register’s condition but also the selfless act of Johnston, who chose to gift a part of herself for another’s survival. The impending transplant is seen as a source of hope, with Steven believing that once the cancerous tumors are excised, he will be on the path to a cancer-free life. The Register family, comprising three children aged 8 to 16, initiated a fundraising campaign to alleviate the financial burdens associated with travel, food, and medical expenses connected to this crucial surgery.
Simultaneously, the families involved hope to use this experience to raise awareness about living organ donations, a subject that many often overlook. Beth Register emphasized the importance of spreading the word about the options available for living donations, highlighting Johnston’s generosity and the extraordinary circumstances that led to this life-saving opportunity. Their connection is seen as more than mere coincidence, as both families express gratitude for the paths that aligned to facilitate this remarkable partnership.
Faith is a central theme underlying their journey; the Register family believes that divine intervention has played a role in bringing them together. They pray for a successful surgery and a new beginning for Steven, while also cherishing Johnston’s readiness to pause her life for the sake of extending someone else’s. Their collective story underscores the profound impact that acts of generosity and kindness can have, shedding light on both the vulnerability of life and the strength found in community and compassion.
