Several years ago, Eric Holsinger was well known as an active DJ in his local community, with private and public entertainment work in both clubs and radio stations. He also helped form a successful band called “Frontroom”; a four part vocal band in which Eric sang and played guitar. His band, his family and his friends in the band were the love of his life, as Eric played gigs almost every weekend for the past five years.

In 2011, Eric’s life as a guitar player suddenly came to an abrupt end, when he began to feel very ill and experience profound fatigue, muscle aches, nausea and stomach pains. He suffered from the build-up of fluid, or ascites in his abdomen, and was eventually diagnosed with a severe case of liver damage, or end-stage-liver-disease. When Eric was only 10 years old, he suffered from a rare, but serious case of Colon Cancer, and underwent extensive radiation and chemotherapy treatments. While Eric overcame his battle with colon cancer, his physician believes these aggressive treatments may have damaged Eric’s liver over time. This past September, Eric underwent a medical procedure to install a shunt, making it possible for him to lead a better quality of life. Unfortunately, Eric is still unable to work or play in his band. His has been told that without a lifesaving liver transplant, Eric’s condition will continue to decline, and his time will quickly run out.

Eric is on the active transplant list and patiently waiting for the telephone call that will save his life. He continues to stay positive and look forward to the day he can once again sing and play in his band. While a liver transplant is lifesaving, the costs to fund this procedure are monumental. Aside from the medical costs, there are many out-of-pocket expenses that are not covered by his health insurance. These include caregiver fees, travel and lodging expenses, and costly post-transplant medications to halt organ rejection. Eric will need these medications for the rest of his life. He is also required to temporarily live closer to UPMC hospital for medical procedures, lab work and medical appointments. Eric needs your financial support, as he cannot face these expenses on his own.