Updated July 2026: Jim is still searching for a living donor. Screening takes about 15 minutes.
Living liver donor needed — UPMC Pittsburgh
Jim needs a liver donor. You could save his life.
Jim Cerutti — husband, father, EMT, volunteer firefighter, truck driver — is fighting end-stage liver disease. One healthy adult stepping forward could change everything.
Screening is confidential, handled entirely by UPMC, and takes about 15 minutes. Starting it commits you to nothing.
Could you be Jim's match?
You don't need to be family - living donors can be friends, coworkers, even strangers. If this sounds like you, you could be the one:
18 to 60 years old
In good overall health
Any blood type
On the UPMC form choose: Liver > Donation to a specific individual > Adult > James Cerutti. Criteria are from UPMC's living-donor program and their transplant team always makes the final call. Questions? transplant@upmc.edu
Who is Jim?
A devoted husband and father, Jim has spent decades showing up for his community and family. As a former EMT and volunteer firefighter, he has always been a man of action. For the past two decades, he has driven the roads of Western Pennsylvania, a life built on reliability and service. He says he 'just wants to make the best of it.' But Jim can't face this fight alone. After a decade of liver disease, doctors say a living donor transplant is his best chance. Now, it's our turn to show up for him.
"He says he just wants to make the best of it."
Become Jim's living donor
1. Fill out UPMC's confidential screening form. It takes about 15 minutes.
2. UPMC's transplant team reviews your answers and contacts you privately.
3. You decide. There is no commitment at any point.
When the form asks, choose: Liver → Donation to a specific individual → Adult → James Cerutti
What donating actually involves
How does the liver regrow?
After the transplant, the liver regenerates to its original size within a few months for both the donor and the recipient.
Who covers the costs?
Per UPMC, the recipient's insurance and UPMC cover the donor evaluation and surgery costs. The donor is not responsible for any part of the assessment or procedure, and meets with a financial coordinator to answer questions first.
What support is provided?
Every donor receives an Independent Living Donor Advocate to guide you through the entire process and answer any questions.
How long is the recovery?
Most donors recover fully in about two months. The hospital stay is typically a few days, followed by a gradual return to normal activities.
Is there a commitment?
You can change your mind at any point. Screening is a confidential process and does not commit you to anything.
How many transplants have been done?
UPMC has performed over 1,000 living-donor liver transplants, demonstrating the safety and success of this procedure.
This is general information, not medical advice. For specific questions, please contact UPMC's transplant team directly.
Learn more about the UPMC Living Donor Program
Can't donate? Share. It matters more than you think.
Help save Jim Cerutti! He urgently needs a living donor liver transplant through UPMC in Pittsburgh. Healthy and between 18 and 60? You could be his match — screening is confidential and takes 15 minutes. Learn more at SaveJim.com #SaveJim
Updates from the family
July 2026
We've given SaveJim.com a fresh start to make it easier to see if you could be Jim's match. Jim is still searching for his living donor — thank you for every share and every donation, and please keep spreading the word.
Jim's full health story
Jim's health journey began with a severe gallbladder attack that led to acute pancreatitis and significant liver damage. Over the past decade, his condition has progressed to non-alcoholic cirrhosis, requiring extensive medical management.
Recent imaging revealed a liver lesion classified as cancer (LR-5), though subsequent scans have shown changes. His liver remains severely compromised, and a living-donor transplant is currently his best chance for long-term survival.
The donated portion of the liver regenerates to full size for both donor and recipient. This journey brings significant financial burdens, including medical costs, travel to Pittsburgh, and lodging during recovery.