In March of 2024, Cherie’s life changed forever. She lost the love of her life, Clyde. Their journey together was one of great beauty and strength. It inspires her reasoning for giving back to Nevada Donor Network’s mission.
2016 is when things started to get tough. Clyde began receiving treatment for prostate cancer at Keck Medicine of USC in Los Angeles, California. Flash forward to September of 2022, he was diagnosed with ascites, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Given Clyde’s prior medical history, he chose to return to Keck Medicine of USE for treatment along with being listed for a liver transplant. This involved many trips to California for various medical appointments and procedures. Clyde was able to manage the necessary expenses and time for this process.
After undergoing Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) many times (which is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat liver cancer by delivering chemotherapy directly to a tumor), Clyde became eligible for a liver transplant. He was added to the national organ transplant waiting list. Clyde underwent a liver transplant on October 22, 2023, because a heroic donor said ‘YES’ to giving the ultimate gift through organ, eye and tissue donation. It was discovered soon after that his cancer had spread to additional part of his body. Clyde continued to fight and endured many more medical procedures, numerous transfusions and prolonged hospital stays. On March 23, 2024, he consented to be transferred to Nathan Adelson Hospice to begin palliative care. Their team demonstrated compassion and kindness during Clyde’s stay, which led to him feeling comfortable and having the dignity he deserved. Cherie wanted to consistently be by his side, but Clyde wanted her to rest after a hip replacement surgery the month prior. Later that evening, Cherie received the call that Clyde had passed away at 8:58 P.M., which was two minutes before their granddaughter’s third birthday. She truly felt that he chose not to pass away on her birthday because of the very special relationship they had. Clyde wholeheartedly believed in organ, eye and tissue donation. He left a legacy behind through his corneas which gave two others the gift of sight. Cherie is extremely proud he was to give and receive this precious gift. 
After learning of Clyde’s need for a liver transplant, Cherie began researching organizations that promote organ donation and discovered the Nevada Donor Network. She visited their office and with their guidance, she became an Advocate for Life (volunteer) for the organization. Cherie takes pride in supporting community outreach events and informing others about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation. When Cherie shares Clyde’s story, many people are surprised that he was a grateful recipient that was also able to become a heroic donor. Cheri also acknowledges that grief is a process that individuals experience differently. Her involvement with Nevada Donor Network has supported her through a personal journey of adjustment and growth. Cherie is adapting to her new normal and striving to lead a meaningful life; that is what she feels Clyde would have wanted for her.
Inspired by the gift Clyde gave and received? Be a hero today by registering now!