Steven Register, a former MLB pitcher and now a father battling stage 4 colon cancer, has found an unexpected source of hope in a high school classmate he hadn’t seen in over two decades. His story, captured in several online outlets, highlights a rare and touching act of generosity that could save his life.
Register, 42, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in April 2024 after experiencing severe appetite loss and losing 15 pounds in a single month. His condition led to a recommendation for a liver transplant, given the potential for his survival. The diagnosis came after he began to experience symptoms that initially led to a temporary ostomy procedure and the start of chemotherapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
Register’s wife, Beth, initiated the Facebook campaign seeking a living liver donor, which quickly gained traction. The post caught the attention of Kristin Johnston, a 40-year-old preschool teacher from Roswell, Georgia, who recognized Register as a former high school classmate from Shaw High School in Columbus, Georgia. The two had not spoken for over two decades, yet Johnston’s response to the call for help underscored the deep impact of human connection.
Johnston’s willingness to donate part of her liver to Register has been described as an act of selflessness and a significant moment of serendipity. Blood type compatibility was an initial step in the process, and Johnston’s match gave her a sense of purpose. The families are hopeful that the surgery will mark a new chapter in Register’s life, with the potential for both donor and recipient to regain their health.
Beth Register expressed her gratitude for Johnston’s generosity and her hopes that this story will raise awareness about the possibilities of living organ donation. The families believe that fate played a role in their reunion, as they pray that this connection will lead to a successful transplant and a new beginning for Register.
As the surgery approaches, both families are looking forward to the possibility of a successful transplant that could significantly extend Register’s life. This story is a testament to the power of compassion and the unexpected ways in which lives can intersect, offering a beacon of hope for a family facing a daunting medical challenge.