Mom, 41, with Stage 4 Colon Cancer Has ‘No Evidence of Disease’ After Life-Saving Transplant

**Woman’s Life Saved by Liver Transplant from Family Friend Following Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis**

In a remarkable story of resilience and friendship, Amy Piccioli, a 41-year-old accountant from Los Angeles, has emerged from a harrowing battle with stage 4 colorectal cancer. Amy’s journey began in May 2024 when she sought medical attention during an emergency room visit for dehydration, only to be faced with shocking news: scans revealed a mass in her colon and multiple lesions on her liver. This diagnosis transformed her world, prompting ongoing fears of her life being cut short.

At the time, Amy had no symptoms pointing towards colon cancer. She reported no pain or changes in her bowel habits and had no family history of cancer. “When a doctor tells you it’s stage 4, you think, ‘My life is over,’” she shared. However, hope started to emerge when her medical team proposed the possibility of a liver transplant as part of her treatment plan.

Following her diagnosis, Amy underwent multiple chemotherapy rounds alongside immunotherapy. Her doctors then discussed the potential of a liver transplant, a treatment that could offer renewed hope for patients like her, whose cancer had spread to the liver. She was referred to Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, where an innovative transplant programme specifically caters to patients battling colorectal cancer with liver metastases.

In September 2025, Amy met with Dr. Zachary Dietch, a transplant surgeon at Northwestern Medicine. The doctor noted that Amy was a suitable candidate for the surgery, having responded well to her treatments and with cancer confined to her liver. “For patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases, chemotherapy alone historically has a five-year survival rate of about 10%. However, with liver transplantation, that can rise to between 60% and 80%,” Dr. Dietch explained.

To explore the option of a living donor liver transplant, Amy shared information about the donor screening process with her family and friends. Joyfully, she found that a close family friend, Lauren Prior, 37, was a match. “It felt like fate,” Amy recalled, recognising not only Lauren’s willingness to help but also the support her family offered during her recovery time in Chicago.

In December 2025, Amy and Lauren underwent their surgeries. Lauren made the selfless decision to donate part of her liver, which was successfully transplanted into Amy. Three months post-operation, both women were reported to be recovering well, with an encouraging follow-up blood test showing no residual cancer cells in Amy’s body. Doctors confirmed she now has “no evidence of disease.”

As she continues her recovery in Chicago, Amy is dedicated to raising awareness about colorectal cancer, particularly among younger audiences. March’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month serves as a pivotal platform for her message. “More cases of this disease are being diagnosed in younger individuals. I’m committed to this cause,” she stated. “If your cancer has spread to your liver, ask your doctor about a transplant. It might be an option you didn’t know existed. That information could save someone’s life.”

Colorectal cancer remains a significant health concern, being the third most common cancer globally, following lung and breast cancers. Although overall rates have declined in the past decade, there is an alarming trend of rising diagnoses among those under 50, with figures showing an increase of approximately 2% each year. The American Cancer Society notes that currently, one in five individuals diagnosed with colon cancer is under the age of 55.

In light of these statistics, the society recommends that adults aged 45 and older undergo regular screenings for colon cancer, which can include stool tests or colonoscopies. Early detection is critical, as symptoms often emerge only when the disease has advanced. A proactive approach to screenings can lead to better outcomes for patients, highlighting the importance of awareness and education.

Amy’s journey serves as both a personal triumph and a call to action. By sharing her story, she aims to inspire others facing similar battles and to emphasise the vital role of medical options such as transplants in the fight against cancer. She expressed immense gratitude for her donor and the medical team at Northwestern Medicine for offering her a second chance at life.