A Life Renewed

“I want to motivate others to diversify the blood supply.”

Larry Eaddy was visiting his parents in Greenville when his mother noticed something different about her son. His eyes had a yellow tint and he didn’t look well. At age 25, Larry was working in Atlanta and enjoyed boxing in his free time. He dismissed her concerns. “I felt fine,” said Larry. “I didn’t think there was anything wrong with me.”

Not long after, Larry lost his appetite and began to complain of fatigue and pain. He would soon learn he was suffering from a rare illness.

In November 2002, laboratory tests determined Larry had autoimmune hepatitis. At the time, doctors told him the illness was not an immediate threat to his health, and they wanted to monitor him periodically. Autoimmune hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, and can be chronic. It occurs when the immune system develops antibodies against the liver, mistaking the body’s organs as foreign, leading to organ failure.

Larry continued to have problems, and further testing revealed his gall bladder was not functioning properly and it had to be removed. Larry’s health continued to deteriorate, and in January 2005, he began to see a specialist. He moved home to be near his parents, Larry and Darlene Eaddy. “I experienced a lot of stomach pain, and lost a lot of blood from vomiting,” said Larry. “I received countless units of blood. My immune system didn’t recognize my liver as part of my body.” Larry’s body was slowly destroying his liver. The only cure was a liver transplant.

On April 8, 2006, Larry received a phone call that a liver was available. He and his family traveled to Charleston right away for the transplant. “I can remember waking up after the surgery feeling better immediately,” said Larry.

Today, Larry has a renewed life. He has more energy and he’s working hard to start over. He’s going to school to get a business and management degree, and enjoys family life with his son Lavonte. “Fortunately, blood was available when I needed it,” said Larry. “I hope my story will motivate more African Americans to donate blood and help diversify the blood supply.”