Honoring Peter Bilicki's Life

As we celebrate the life of Peter Bilicki, we are grateful for all of the moments we were able to experience and memories that were created as a result of him receiving a living liver donation.

Peter's transplant journey provides inspiration to others on how to live an active and robust life while addressing significant health challenges, including a living liver transplant.

Peter's Transplant Journey

Peter was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) in 1991.  At the time, it was a disease that was often misdiagnosed.  After some research by his local doctor, we were referred to Tufts University in Boston. His doctor found that there were only a few places in the country doing research on this particular disease. Peter entered their program and followed an experimental treatment, based on their research, which prolonged the progression of the disease for almost 20 years. 

It finally reached a point where he needed a liver transplant to save his life. He was put on the transplant list in 2009. Once it became clear that he would never reach the number of points necessary to receive a liver, we sought out live donation.  After close to a year, several friends and family offered to be tested for a donation match.  Out of all who came forward, a family friend, Dennis Day, was a perfect match.

In 2010, Peter had the transplant in Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where he received 60% of the liver from the live donor. The donor's liver regenerated to full size within a few months without complications. Peter and Dennis developed a close and unique bond, and their friendship remained close ever since. Without this generosity and advancement in medical science, we wouldn't have had the last 15 years with him. 

Peter retired to North Myrtle Beach with his wife where he became active in the community and traveled to many places around the world.  He would have had many more years with family and friends, however, his passing was sudden, due to an accident. 

Peter's Obituary

https://www.wjlyonsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/peter-bilicki

Why We Chose Living Liver Foundation

We chose the Living Liver Foundation as a recipient of donations in his honor to support their mission to honor living donors, educate the public on living organ donation and inspire others to consider becoming a living donor.