Zoo Station

This is from my good friend and colleague at Columbia, Pavel Shlossberg. If any of you know of any way to help Pavel's friend, please contact him directly so as to not slow down the process. You can call him any time of day/night.

Date: Fri, 14 Oct 2005 17:32:20 -0400
From: Pavel Shlossberg
Subject: NEED LIVER DONOR -- PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO JOURNALISTS

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students:

Last night I found out that a close friend's, Natalie Merker's, liver had suddenly failed. She is 39 years old, had otherwise been in excellent health, and has three young children. Unless a suitable liver donor is found within the next few days, Natalie will die. She is being treated in a hospital in Philadelphia.

** She has been given one to three days to live unless a suitable liver is found. **

She is currently at the very top of the donor match list. So any word about a potential donor (has to be someone within the first 24 hours of death).

Please let me know if you have any suggestions about how we can get word out about our search for a suitable donor--such as through a piece on the evening news, internet, etc., and please pass this E-mail on to other journalists. You have our deep gratitude for your help.

With suggestions or for further information you can contact me by E-mail at ps319@columbia.edu or at 201-248-1683 (cellphone) - 24/7.

Thank you for you help.
Pavel Shlossberg

UPDATE: A potential match was found early this morning. Natalie is in emergency surgery right now.