When Jamie Ball started experiencing pain in her side, she initially thought it was related to gallbladder issues. However, the discomfort ultimately led to a shocking discovery – she had liver and colon cancer. The 37-year-old mother of three recounted that the pain became unbearable, prompting her to seek medical attention. Instead of receiving pain medication, she was given the devastating news of stage 4 colon cancer and a mere 15% chance of survival.

Ball expressed her disbelief at the diagnosis, stating, ‘I was in complete shock because that thought didn’t even cross my mind. I am young.’

Following her diagnosis, it was revealed that the cancer had spread to her liver, significantly reducing her prognosis. The possibility of a liver transplant was presented as a potential solution. Initially, Ball hoped for a liver resection, a surgical procedure to remove parts of the liver. However, the cancer’s extensive presence made her ineligible for this option, leaving a living donor transplant as her only hope.

Commencing chemotherapy soon after her diagnosis, Ball underwent 12 rounds of treatment. Despite her positive response to chemotherapy, she faced immense challenges, including significant weight loss and the development of neuropathy, a painful nerve damage often caused by chemotherapy.

In early 2022, she underwent a colon resection to remove the remaining cancer in her colon. However, the need for a liver transplant persisted. Due to the continued functionality of her liver, she was advised by doctors to seek a living donor. This type of transplant involves a person with a matching organ donating part of their liver to the recipient in need.

Ball turned to social media to appeal for a potential donor, and the response was overwhelming, with numerous volunteers, including her sister, stepping forward to offer support.