11 months ago
RICHMOND, Va. (WUSA) -- Dr. Brian Buckley is beginning to understand he's been given a second chance at life.
"He is just now starting to realize the he's going to be OK. That he may make it," says his wife, Shirley Buckley.
It's all thanks to his good friend, and coaching buddy, Gerardo Despian, who on Monday underwent a 14 hour surgery at VCU medical center to remove part of his liver for Brian.
"For the last six months or so, I've always thought, I'm doing this for Brian," says Despian.
We've been watching him deteriorate. The fact that he's a doctor and knows what's happening to his body, that's tough. It was hard for them and for us to watch that demise," says Mary Despian.
Brian's liver starting deteriorating two years ago. He spent months on a transplant list waiting for a cadaver liver, getting sicker and sicker. Gerardo may have been his last hope. Gerardo and his wife Mary have three children, and weighed the risks.
"I was scared. Scared for me, scared for Brian, scared for my family," says Gerardo. His employer, the federal government, gives 30 days off for people who donate organs. He left a big job at work, but Brian could not wait.
Five days after the surgery, Gerardo's headed for home, and Brian is on the path, albeit a long one, to recovery.
"I feel in awe of Gerardo and Mary for saving my husband's life," says Shirley Buckley. She adds her husband is looking to future now and even thinking about starting up his old practice again.
The transplant could have happened months ago, except that another hospital told Gerardo he was NOT a good match for Brian.
VCU thought he was an excellent match.
The families say it's a lesson for all. To pursue a second opinion if don't like what the first doctor says.
Written by Peggy Fox9NEWS NOW & wusa9.com
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