Dave Bovyn's Liver Transplant Recovery

19/03/2026

Hey friends!

On April 14th, 2025 I was given the gift of a longer life from my incredible cousin Patrick Chicagofoghornacorn Bovyn when he donated a large portion of his liver to me for a transplant. We are coming up on the one year anniversary and we have decided as a family to participate in the Liver Life Walk for the American Liver Foundation on May 16th in Chicago!

If you have an extra buck or two please support the cause. We plan on making this a yearly event as a way to raise awareness and help others who are in the same position I was.

Support - Liver Life Walk - Chicago

19/02/2026

Hello friends! I realized I didn't post on this page about my recent happenings and wanted to make sure I do so for anyone who is not a personal friend and helped along the way :)

I recently had my stents REMOVED! No more surgeries scheduled (barring emergencies, which can happen with transplant patients) but fingers crossed I will be good to go now.

Thanks to everyone who has supported me along the way and a huge shout out to my cuz Patrick for giving me the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life :)

26/11/2025

Hey friends! I had a setback after my recent stent exchange, hoping nothing major but they want to keep me a couple days. Fingers crossed I get home for Thanksgiving, but unfortunately I cannot play this Friday! Please support JD and go hang out at Whiskey Hill Kitchen in Westmont and we will see you together in Feb!!!

17/11/2025

Hey friends!

Not many updates lately (thank goodness) but I am going in next week for a stent replacement. Outpatient (in theory) so fingers crossed I am in and out!

Outside of that my blood levels have been stable and actually improving (my liver specific numbers are listed as "normal" in my last 3 sets of bloodwork) which blows my mind everytime I see it haha.

Thanks everyone for continuing to reach out and check in. We've been trying to do our best to get out and see everyone and do things. So hopefully we will see you soon!

Don't forget about the annual charity benefit at Skeleton Key Brewery on Dec. 7th!!

17/10/2025

Day 17/31

This one's a little long, but it is more of a story than just informational. If you have been putting off routine bloodwork, please don't delay any longer. I implore you!

15/10/2025

-Day 14/31

Today is special for me. Today marks 6 months since my liver transplant. This is significant because the rejection risk drops substantially. Late rejection can still happen (especially with missed meds or under-immunosuppression), but it’s the exception, not the rule.

It also marks a time when I will supposedly have some of my meds reduced (doctor appointment in a couple of weeks), and I should be able to start working out again to try to get myself in shape. My current situation is: tired as hell because I haven't moved around like I am now in 5 years, LOL.

I got blood work today, and my levels were all in the "Normal" range for the first time in 20 years. I'm excited for the future!

Again, thanks to everyone for all your support, and special thanks to Patrick for donating most of his liver to me. 😁

Love you guys!

13/10/2025

Day 13/31

Most people who have Hepatitis B don’t even know it, and that’s what makes it dangerous.

Ask your doctor about getting tested or vaccinated , especially if you were born before the early ’90s.

Protect your liver. Protect your life.

10/10/2025

Day 10/31

Stress doesn’t just affect your mind. It changes your biology.
When you’re under emotional pressure, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones shift your metabolism, affect your digestion, and can cause long-term inflammation. All of which impact your liver.

Your liver is part of your stress response.
The liver helps break down stress hormones and regulate blood sugar during fight-or-flight. When stress becomes chronic, your liver is constantly overworked trying to keep things balanced.

Sleep, digestion, and appetite are connected.
Emotional distress often disrupts sleep and eating patterns. Skipping meals, over-snacking, or relying on stimulants or alcohol to cope adds more strain to your liver’s regulatory functions.

The signs aren’t always dramatic.
Brain fog, fatigue, hormonal swings, or subtle digestive issues might all be tied to stress and your liver’s role in processing it.

05/10/2025

Day 5

Living donation isn’t science fiction! It’s real, it’s safe, and it’s saving lives every day. One healthy person can donate a portion of their liver and both livers regenerate, growing back to full size within months.

My cousin Pat and I are living proof that science can rewrite what’s possible!

Talk to your family. Learn the facts. Visit liverfoundation.org or organdonor.gov to see how you can help.

04/10/2025

Day 3/31

Science is giving us new treatments and better transplants every year, but that progress only happens when we support it. Donations fuel the research that saves lives and the resources that guide families through the hardest times.

I wouldn’t be here without innovation in medicine. Help keep that momentum going. Donate, share, and spread awareness; because the next breakthrough could save someone you know AGAIN!!!

01/10/2025

Day 1/31