For Jim Walsh, a retired sheet metal worker from Local 19 in Philadelphia, the past year has been nothing short of miraculous. On February 13, 2024, he underwent a life-saving liver transplant — a surgery made possible by the extraordinary gift of his son Greg and the steadfast support of nurse advocate Jennifer Kenny from Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates. Today, Walsh is not only walking without assistance — he’s building sheds, renovating his new home, and cherishing every moment with his growing family.
Walsh’s health crisis began in mid-2022, when he suddenly lost strength and collapsed at home. What was first thought to be a stroke turned out to be cirrhosis of the liver. “I thought I was just getting older,” Walsh says. “But my wife knew something was wrong.” After a series of hospital visits and tests, doctors at Penn Medicine delivered the news: his liver would not regenerate. Without a transplant, he had just one year to live.
Because of his MELD score (a number that indicates how sick someone is and how urgently they need a liver transplant), Walsh was unlikely to receive a deceased donor in time. A living donor was his only option. Though he didn’t want to burden his family, his wife told their sons — and their oldest son, Greg, didn’t hesitate. “He told us to stop looking elsewhere. He was getting tested the next day,” Walsh says.
Over several months, Greg underwent thorough evaluations and was approved. The transplant took place as scheduled, and both father and son recovered quickly. Their livers have fully regenerated, and both men are now thriving.
Crucial to this journey was the support of Jennifer Kenny, RN, CEN, of Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates. Through the Mobile Care Coordinator (MCC) program, Nurse Kenny worked alongside Walsh for more than two years — helping schedule appointments, providing medical explanations, and offering peace of mind at every stage. “She even drove out to Reading, two hours away, just to make sure I was okay during an appointment,” Walsh recalls. “She’s the best.”
Nurse Kenny made sure Walsh never faced the healthcare system alone. She was always prepared with lab results, follow-up details, and any needed advocacy to ensure he received the care he deserved.
Now, Walsh is paying it forward. At Nurse Kenny’s request, he has spoken with another union member facing a transplant decision. “If your kids want to help you, let them,” Walsh says. “They want you to live.”
Walsh has also made lasting changes, giving up alcohol for good. “I want to see my grandkids grow up,” he says. “That’s what matters.”
To the Penn Medicine transplant team, Walsh offers heartfelt gratitude: “From the front desk to the surgeons — everyone was incredible.” He also extends thanks to the radiology department at Trinity Health for their role in his care. And to his son Greg, he says simply, “Thank you for saving my life.”