Although David hadn’t felt quite right for weeks prior, the hepatitis manifested itself on July 24. Preparing for a neighborhood block party, he suddenly felt the need to lay down. Nancy and the kids went ahead and David assured them he’d be along later when he felt better.

 

Neighbors assumed he’d begged off to watch the crucial baseball game between his beloved Boston Red Sox and their arch-rivals the New York Yankees.

 

With the TV tuned to the game, David catnapped all afternoon, feeling fatigued and having no appetite. As afternoon turned to evening, he munched on some small snacks but couldn’t keep anything down.

 

He was awake to see Boston’s dramatic 9^th inning come-from-behind victory and the neighbors joked that he’d soon show up at the party to celebrate.

 

But there was no party for David that day. He felt ill throughout the weekend and Sunday night, the telltale jaundice of hepatitis was apparent, as the whites of his eyes and his skin had turned yellow.

 

An early Monday doctor’s visit set in motion the now nearly four-month ordeal of blood tests, imaging tests, consultations and hospitalization which is led to the conclusion that David needs a liver transplant to save his life.

 

The Red Sox credit their July 24 win with turning around their season. They adopted as their inspirational motto the phrase: “Why Not Us?” The team had convinced themselves they were talented and dedicated enough to win the World Series for the first time in 86 years.

 

As David and his family tackle this health crisis, they have a similar view. They don’t dwell on “Why Us?”  The attitude is “Why Not Us?” We can and we will overcome this illness.

 

But we urgently need a suitable liver donor.

 

When the Red Sox faced the Yankees in the playoffs for the right to get to the World Series, David’s condition was improving dramatically. He was already thinking he’d be back at work in the second week of November.

 

He felt so good, he and Nancy had a rare outing, visiting friends and not turning on the TV to watch the third game of the playoffs.

 

When they arrived home, they learned the Sox were losing a lopsided game and stood just one loss away from again having their hopes dashed.

 

David’s nephew, Brendan, was convinced the Sox had once again toyed with their fans by showing such promise and not delivering.

 

But David said matter-of-factly that the Sox just needed to win the next four games in a row to get to the World Series. It didn’t matter that it had never been done before, they can do it.

 

Their stunning comeback is now is a part of baseball legend. Not only did they take four straight games from the Yankees, they won eight straight by sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals to finally bring home the World Series pennant.

 

Against all odds, the Red Sox had done the seemingly impossible.  “Why Not Us?’’ Indeed.

 

In recent weeks, though, David’s condition significantly worsened.  As David’s family fights this disease we’re inspired by the Red Sox attitude.  “Why Not Us?’’ We can overcome this – and we will – but we need your help.

 

Let’s find a liver donor for David.