Young dad faces rare multi-organ transplant

Lifelong residents Justin and Renee Oswell are navigating an incredibly challenging period as Justin, 46, requires a multi-organ transplant. This life-saving procedure, involving a new liver, pancreas, and intestines, is his only option after years of complications stemming from a 2001 snowmobile accident.

Justin previously defied grim odds, surviving a double pulmonary embolism in October, which had given him a mere 10% chance of survival. His health struggles intensified recently, with recurring severe abdominal pain and repeated hospitalizations.

Medical evaluations revealed that trauma from the snowmobile accident had caused significant, long-undiagnosed damage to his portal vein. This led to impaired blood flow to his intestines, liver, and pancreas, complicated by conditions like diabetes, vasculitis, and esophageal varices.

After facing complex and risky evaluations at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, the Oswells were referred to the Cleveland Clinic. Doctors there confirmed the necessity of the multivisceral transplant. Justin's next evaluation is on April 14, where he will undergo a full examination for the transplant list.

Due to the critical nature of organ availability, Justin must reside within a four-hour radius of the Cleveland Clinic. This necessitates a prolonged stay in the Cleveland area post-transplant for intensive care and follow-up appointments, requiring constant care from family and friends who are coordinating travel from Connecticut.

Justin was medically retired from his role as a Connecticut corrections officer on April 1, as his condition made it unsafe for him and his colleagues. The community has rallied behind the Oswells, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $25,000 and a fundraiser planned for April 11 in Stafford Springs.