A Touching Reunion: Former MLB Pitcher Receives Life-Saving Liver Donation from Long-Lost Classmate

A heartfelt plea posted on Facebook has led to an extraordinary act of kindness between two individuals who had lost touch for twenty years. This inspiring story highlights the life-changing impact of organ donation.

Unexpected Diagnosis Sparks Urgent Need

In April 2024, Steven Register, a 42-year-old former major league baseball pitcher, faced a devastating health crisis. Following a month of appetite loss and a rapid 15-pound weight drop, he received the grim diagnosis of stage four colon cancer. The alarming news prompted doctors to inform Register that a liver transplant was his best chance for survival.

Having previously played for the Colorado Rockies in 2008 and the Philadelphia Phillies in 2009, Register quickly shifted his focus from his sports career to researching his options in the face of this life-threatening illness. He recalled, “When we first met with the doctors, they gave me a year to a year-and-a-half to live.” This was a wake-up call for Register and his wife, Beth.

Journey to Treatment Begins

Determined to find the best possible care, the couple traveled from their home in Auburn, Alabama, to the renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. There, Register underwent surgery to install a temporary ostomy bag, followed by the initiation of his chemotherapy treatments.

However, the road turned rocky when plans for a liver resection were abruptly canceled due to the size of the tumors. This setback compelled them to reconsider the urgent need for a liver transplant, leading to the creation of a dedicated Facebook group to search for a living liver donor.

A Classmate’s Compassionate Response

As fate would have it, Kristin Johnston, a 40-year-old preschool teacher from Roswell, Georgia, stumbled upon the Facebook post. She recognized Register as a former classmate from Shaw High School in Columbus, Georgia, where they had met in 1999.

Although two decades had passed since they last spoke, Johnston felt compelled to act. “It was just so far out of left field,” Register remarked, reflecting on Johnston’s unexpected offer to donate part of her liver. He added, “I haven’t seen or talked to her in over 20 years, and for her to reach out like that, it was just meant to be.”

Exploring the Possibility of Donation

Johnston began her journey of research into live liver donation, quickly determining that the first step was verifying blood type compatibility. Upon reaching out to Register, she discovered they shared the same blood type, B positive. With cautious optimism, she expressed, “I’ll happily donate a lobe if I’m a match.”

A Moment of Hope

After undergoing medical evaluations, Johnston received confirmation that she was indeed a suitable match. Remarkably, this joyous news arrived on Good Friday, adding a layer of significance to an already profound experience. Johnston shared her excitement, stating, “I got the news on Good Friday, of all days, that I was officially cleared as his liver donor.”

The upcoming surgery is expected to take between 12 and 14 hours and will require the removal of 70 percent of Johnston’s liver for transplantation into Register. The remarkable aspect of this procedure is that both the remaining liver and the transplanted portion are capable of regenerating over time, giving both individuals a renewed chance at health.

A Gift of Life

Register’s wife, Beth, aptly described the situation, saying, “For her, she is ultimately giving him the gift of life — for him, a really fresh start in this journey.” Steven Register himself expressed a hopeful outlook, stating, “Hopefully, once I get my liver with all the tumor and cancer out, I’ll be cancer-free from there.”

The Community Unites for Support

The Register family, which includes their three children — McKenzie (16), Blakely (14), and Brooks (8) — has initiated a fundraiser through SupportNow. Their goal is to help cover travel, food, and medical expenses associated with this life-saving journey.

On the other end, the Johnstons, Kristin and her husband Cody, a real estate developer, are also raising their three kids — Sawyer (9), Teddy (7), and Dahlia (4). The two families have formed an unexpected yet deeply supportive bond during this challenging time.

Spreading Awareness About Living Donation

Beth Register fervently hopes that their family’s story will raise awareness regarding the importance and impact of living organ donation. She noted, “A lot of people don’t realize that live donations, whether it be for livers or kidneys, are even an option.” She emphasized Johnston’s selflessness and courage throughout this process.

Both families believe that fate plays a significant role in reconnecting them for such a profound purpose. Beth Register added, “We just pray that God is opening all the right doors and that Kristin is the perfect donor for him.”

Embracing the Future

This incredible journey serves as a reminder of the extraordinary lengths to which individuals will go to help one another. As the registered liver transplant approaches, both families are filled with hope and anticipation for a brighter future. Through their experience, they highlight the power of compassion and the importance of community support in times of need.