Brian was diagnosed with a rare liver disease known as Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) in 1996. By 1998, his life had drastically changed and he was a frequent visitor to the University of New Mexico Hospital and was put on the transplant list. In early 1999, after 5 days in the hospital and as he was being released to go home, a tragic automobile accident occurred killing three young people and sending three others to the local hospital. Of those transported, a 14 year old girl was found to be brain dead. Her family agreed to donation and Brian received her liver at the age of 41. He was given the gift of life through this selfless act and as able to live another 15 years. Upon his passing in 2014, he was able to donate his corneas.
