Clarkston Man Receives Two Lifesaving Organs on His Birthday

A Clarkston man is thankful for receiving a very special birthday gift this year, two organs that will save his life.

After being on the transplant list for about three years, Tim Cairns got the news on December 4 that he's receiving a kidney and a liver.

A New Lease on Life

Cairns' wife Christine tells Detroit's WXYZ-TV that the transplants have given her husband a new lease on life. Cairns suffers from a condition called Hemochromatosis, meaning his body stores too much iron.

“To have the new liver and kidney… his color is back, and he’s able to speak and I mean he’s recovered so fast,” Christine said. “It’s like having my old husband back.”

 

Devastating News the Day Before Surgery

Although Tim, Christine, and their 16-year-old son were elated to learn that Tim would be an organ recipient, the family was devastated by some bad news the day before Tim's surgery.

"I had learned that I was laid off from my job," Cairns tells the TV station. "We’re asking the public for a little helping hand to make ends meet the deductible."

A GoFundMe page has been set up and at the time of this writing about $10,000 has been raised for Tim's medical expenses. The family is hoping they can get about $25,000 through the crowdfunding channel.

Despite the family's financial challenges, they're grateful that Tim's been given a second chance.

"I can’t thank the donor’s family more," Tim said. "I just pray that they have some solace that their loved one has lived on through me and I plan to make the most of that gift."