Aidan's Army

09/05/2026

19 years.

I can't believe it has been 19 years already.
19 years ago today our lives changed forever.

19 years ago we were on an emotional roller coaster.

19 years ago it was a beautiful sunny Tuesday morning and Jeff and I were celebrating the fact we just found out we were pregnant and going to be parents for a 2nd time. Happiness, joy and excitement all rolled into one.

19 years ago we had eggs, sausage, and toast for breakfast.

19 years ago we found Aidan almost lifeless in his crib. In just a few hours we would learn all the issues our little 1-year old boy was facing; Liver Failure, brain swelling, organs shutting down, and a whole list of other things.

19 year ago I prayed, begged, and pleaded like I never have before. I pulled from my faith and questioned my faith. I also held onto hope.

19 years ago we learned what amazing doctors, surgeons, nurses, and staff the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital have.

19 years ago we learned what a fighter Aidan is and how, as a parent, you just keep on keeping on. You listen, educate yourself, and try to make the best decision you can.

19 years ago we learned what friendship, family, and brotherhood truelly mean.

19 years ago seems like yesterday

To follow Aidan's journey: https://www.facebook.com/AidansArmy1/





* this picture of Aidan was taken just days before for his 1st birthday party

09/02/2026

Happy 20th birthday, Aidan! ❤️🎉🍩

To my first born, the one who made me a MAA 🤗

Man, what a ride these past two decades has been.

We are so proud of the man you are becoming. Your strength, determination, and grit are awe-inspiring. You have a quiet demeanor, kind selflessness, and sweet smile. We love to see you grow into your hobbies and learning on a deeper level, whether it's your WWII reenactmenting, playing bass, diving into your music, learning about backpacking, or gaining the skills in electrical and other skilled trades.

Keep rocking it kiddo!! We can't wait to see where the next 20 years take you!! 🙌 💪🤘
We love you to the moon and back.

07/27/2026

Piggybacking off of my post from Wednesday, I want to give some insight into what it will be like for someone who goes through the process to be a live liver donor.

Liver Facts (The liver is truly an amazing organ):
- Only a portion of the live donor's liver is taken and donated to the recipient.
- The liver is the only organ that fully regenerates itself and grows back to normal size!
- It only takes a few months for the liver (both in the donor and recipient) to regenerate and become fully functional.

Live Liver Donor Transplant and Recovery:
- CCF now does liver transplants via laparoscopic surgery - so it is minimally invasive!!!
- Depending on the donor's occupation, you might possibly be back to work after only 2 weeks!
- The biggest issue throughout recovery is being tired. It takes a lot of energy for your body to regenerate a liver!

Filling out the form:
- To fill out the form, you must be between the ages of 18 and 60 and have an A or O blood type.
- The form is an easy 2 page questionnaire.
- You can remain anonymous through the whole process or be open about it with us, etc. It is up to you.
- You can choose, at ANY TIME, to bow out of the process. This is not a light decision to be made and it is fully understandable if things change.
- Our health insurance covers the donor through the whole process.

The process immediately following (tests, etc):
- After filling out the form a Cleveland Clinic (CCF) Transplant coordinator will arrange a virtual video appointment between you and a transplant nurse to go over the filled out form, your health history, and everything the transplant process and surgery will involve.
- If the nurse deems you are approved for the next step, a transplant coordinator will set you up with an advocate who will schedule ALL of your doctor appointments, tests, labs, etc. This evaluation will happen over 2-3 full days at the downtown CCF campus. This could be 2-4 weeks after your virtual visit.
- The potential donor will have multiple doctor appointments with all specialties. A CT, MRI, cardiac tests, and a LOT of labs drawn for example. The CCF staff will pack all of these appointments back to back so you will go from 1 to the next with minimal waiting.

Day of Surgery:
- If you clear all the tests and decide to be the donor, the surgery will be coordinated between both you, and the recipient.
- The day of the surgery is very long for both families. The whole process takes about 8-12 hours. The donor's surgery is about 6 hours. The recipient's is a few hours longer.
- Both surgeries happen at the same time in surgical suites attached to each other.
- A few days as an inpatient, and your back home for recovery. Usually no driving for 2 weeks and of course a few follow up appointments, and then yearly blood work to keep an eye on your health.

If you have ever felt called to consider becoming a living donor, we encourage you to learn more. You can apply (anonymously if you choose) through the Cleveland Clinic at the following link: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/transplant/programs/liver/living-donor-clinic?fbclid=IwY2xjawTUSy9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETExeThKdUFDNmo2SUJQd1gzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmxo2cWJ8Xq4IKgRBB7wr-EmJayMaJnVi1WlYHsLkz4BJwiledtmff8TsW_w_aem_WBbpV419iD9zmVo_YvZkYw

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07/22/2026

Hi everyone,

I want to provide an update on Aidan.
I know I haven’t posted in almost 3 years!! Life has been quite busy! (Quick update: Aidan graduated last year. He also passed his apprenticeship test to be an electrician, he is just waiting for the interview portion of the hiring process. Our middle son, Sullivan, graduated this year. He started his apprenticeship for Tool and Die and is working full time for a great company. Declan will be starting 8th grade and plays soccer).

This is going to be a long, detailed post. I apologize now, especially since it drives my husband crazy. :-) I just like to keep everyone informed and I don’t know how to do it in a CliffsNotes fashion. lol

This journey began two years ago, pretty much to the day. While last summer's procedures for bile duct drainage were successful, the damage to the smaller ducts deep within Aidan's liver are irreversible. This damage causes fluid to pool and grow bacteria, leading to recurring infections that require heavy antibiotics. These episodes are unfortunately becoming more frequent.

In early February, the medical team determined it was time to re-list Aidan for a liver transplant. He underwent a week of extensive testing and evaluations with a multidisciplinary team. While his initial MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score was too low (9 out of 40) for UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) to list him, the team presented his case again recently. We are relieved to share that as of several weeks ago, Aidan is officially on the liver transplant list. His MELD score has recently risen from 13 to 15.
A MELD score is solely based on 5 lab values: Total Bilirubin, Albumin, Sodium, Creatinine, and INR. And even though Aidan is very sick, some of the labs are in the normal range, resulting in the low MELD score. Aidan's team did plead his case to UNOS to increase his score, but Aidan didn't meet the criteria.

Because his score is still relatively low, the wait for a deceased donor could be a year or more. Consequently, a living donor remains Aidan's best option. Jeff began testing but was unfortunately ruled out due to his overall small liver capacity, if he were to donate to Aidan, he wouldn’t have enough left to survive. I was then unfortunately ruled out as well, due to my health history. This leaves us to explore all available options.
Hi everyone,

I want to provide an update on Aidan.
I know I haven’t posted much lately; life has been quite overwhelming, and I’ve been doing my best to keep up.

This is going to be a long, detailed post. I apologize now, especially since it drives my husband crazy. :-) I just like to keep everyone informed and I don’t know how to do it in a CliffsNotes fashion. lol

This journey began two years ago, pretty much to the day. While last summer's procedures for bile duct drainage were successful, the damage to the smaller ducts deep within Aidan's liver are irreversible. This damage causes fluid to pool and grow bacteria, leading to recurring infections that require heavy antibiotics. These episodes are unfortunately becoming more frequent.

In early February, the medical team determined it was time to re-list Aidan for a liver transplant. He underwent a week of extensive testing and evaluations with a multidisciplinary team. While his initial MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score was too low (9 out of 40) for UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) to list him, the team presented his case again recently. We are relieved to share that as of several weeks ago, Aidan is officially on the liver transplant list. His MELD score has recently risen from 13 to 15.
A MELD score is solely based on 5 lab values: Total Bilirubin, Albumin, Sodium, Creatinine, and INR. And even though Aidan is very sick, some of the labs are in the normal range, resulting in the low MELD score. Aidan's team did plead his case to UNOS to increase his score, but Aidan didn't meet the criteria.

Because his score is still relatively low, the wait for a deceased donor could be a year or more. Consequently, a living donor remains Aidan's best option. Jeff began testing but was unfortunately ruled out due to his overall small liver capacity, if he were to donate to Aidan, he wouldn’t have enough left to survive. I was then unfortunately ruled out as well, due to my health history. This leaves us to explore all available options.

If you have ever felt called to consider becoming a living donor, we encourage you to learn more. You can apply (anonymously if you choose) through the Cleveland Clinic at the following link: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/transplant/programs/liver/living-donor-clinic

The application is brief, and a transplant representative will contact you after. The only requirements at this point are the potential candidate must be between 18 and 60 years of age and have a blood type of A or O.

While this brings up a lot of PTSD for Jeff and I, Aidan is excited about this new journey and being able to take his life back again instead of being defined by his illness. And while he tries to keep doing what he loves like working, WW2 reenactments, playing bass guitar and hiking, he is losing his stamina and strength to be as active as he was just six months ago.

Lastly, Jeff’s brother Dave started a GiveSendGo for us to raise money to cover expenses incurred during this long process, please hit the link and/or share it: https://www.givesendgo.com/aidans-army

Whether you can give financially, share Aidan’s story, or simply keep him in your prayers, every act of kindness gives our family renewed strength and reminds us that we are not walking this journey alone.

Please follow Aidan’s medical journey here. Individual messages can be overwhelming, rather than reaching out to Aidan, we will use this page to keep everyone in the loop. This will allow him to focus on his current health and hopefully get out there and live life.

We thank you all for your continued support and concern for Aidan. Your love means the world to us.

Joshua 1:9 Be Strong & of Good Courage.In September 2007, just days after celebrating his first birthday and learning he would soon become a big bro…

11/20/2023

09/07/2023

Yesterday marked...

16 years.

16 years ago today our lives changed forever.
I can't believe it has been that long already.

16 years ago we were on an emotional roller coaster.

16 years ago it was a beautiful sunny Tuesday morning and Jeff and I were celebrating the fact we just found out we were pregnant and going to be parents for a 2nd time. Happiness, joy and excitement all rolled into one.

16 years ago we had eggs, sausage, and toast for breakfast.

16 years ago we found Aidan almost lifeless in his crib. In just a few hours we would learn all the issues our little 1-year old boy was facing; Liver Failure, brain swelling, organs shutting down, and a whole list of other things.

16 years ago I prayed, begged, and pleaded like I never have before. I pulled from my faith and questioned my faith. I also held onto hope.

16 years ago we learned what amazing doctors, surgeons, nurses, and staff the Cleveland Clinic have

16 years ago we learned what a fighter Aidan is and how, as a parent, you just keep on keeping on. You listen, educate yourself, and try to make the best decision you can.

16 years ago we learned what friendship, family, and brotherhood truelly mean.

16 years ago my brother Jeff gave the greatest gift of all

16 years ago seems like yesterday.

05/01/2023

Aidan Update:

Discharged!!!!

Sorry no update Saturday or Sunday.
Saturday was quiet and no test results came back so Aidan and Jeff (I had to bartend an event) hung out; played video games and bass. Sunday, my cousin from Pittsburgh came out to visit Aidan but then we were unexpectedly discharged, so they came over for the rest of the day to visit. We had a quick dinner and then were all asleep by 8p! We were all exhausted.

Aidan is on oral antibiotics for 8 days. MRI didn't show any narrowing of ducts but only a PCT can truly rule that in/out. If pain/ illness return, we will most like get a scope from IR with possible bile duct stent.

GI/ID really don't have an answers but are chalking it up to an unknown infection. There will be a couple more tests and a follow-up with GI/ID (probably on a Thursday) in a week or so.

Pray this is the answer!!

Aidan is back to school today and feels well. Though his 'Hope tomorrow for Snow Day' prep (ice in the toilet, pj's backwards, etc.) was cut short and we just had some snow/sleet for a short bit this a.m.

Thank you for all the prayers, texts, calls, etc they mean so much. We'll keep you updated if anything changes.

04/28/2023

Prayers for Aidan needed.

Yesterday, Aidan started to not feel well. He has had an on and off illness, for lack of better terms, since late February. Seems on Thursdays Aidan develops abdominal pain, headache, exhaustion, extremities pain, etc. He has been seen and gone through all kinds of testing.

Yesterday's tests; 1 being a breath test for lactose intolerance came back negative but seemed to exasperate his symptoms, 2nd test was an Ultrasound which showed his spleen was enlarged. Labs came back last night with all liver enzymes really high (much much higher then past draws), his Bilirubin quadrupled and some other labs super elevated.

So now Aidan is admitted to CCF for the near future (hopefully just weekend). Lots more labs to be drawn, another ultrasound, MRCP (type of MRI), blood culture, a possible liver biopsy, and who knows what else.

Aidan is feeling better than yesterday so hopefully that remains and is in good spirits.

I have been on an emotional Rollercoaster today. A lot of old emotions are coming out and we happen to be in a room that we spent a lot time in when Aidan was younger. Aidan hasn't been admitted since beginning of 2020, he has had a good run.

I will be spending the night with Aidan and Jeff will hang with the other 2.

Please keep him in your prayers and hope that we can figure out what has been going on, and hopefully it is an easy fix. 🙏 💚🤪

04/21/2023

Pull Tab Palooza 2023!!!
Ronald McDonald House Cleveland.
41.4 pounds!!!!
This is the most we have ever donated, thank you to everyone who donated pulltabs.
To follow Aidan's journey: https://www.facebook.com/AidansArmy1/

03/15/2023

For those that save their pop/beer/soup tabs for us (or would like to start), I will be collecting on Monday, April 17th or you can drop them off anytime, just place them in the bin to the right of garage door.

Aidan's Army will be delivering the pull tabs during Ronald McDonald's Pull Tab Palooza to benefit all the families that stay at RMH Cleveland. For those that don't know 🤷‍♀️ our oldest Aidan, when he was 1, fell critically ill over night. He had an emergency liver transplant, was hospitalized for 5 weeks initially and then spent the next 2 years off and on in CCF Children's. The 1st 5 weeks we lived at RMCH with the help of generous people (like those donating pop tabs🤗)
😊💚💙
To follow Aidan's journey: https://www.facebook.com/AidansArmy1/

A team that supports Aidan; a little boy who had the first emergency live liver transplant at The Cleveland Clinic, and the American Liver Foundation