Jan 10, 2008 6:33 pm US/Eastern
Transplant Saves 56-Year-Old Musician's Life
UPPERCO, Md. (WJZ) ―
He's almost as fit as a fiddle.
Jon Glik, 56, one of this country's top bluegrass fiddlers, is finally able to play again after a year where he almost died.
Glik's liver was failing, his body in pain almost all the time and he was unable to use his hands.
Musicians from across the country came to Upperco, Md. in October to help raise money for Glik and to boost his spirits.
"I heard from friends I hadn't heard from in 20 or 30 years. Their support helped me have a positive attitude," said Glik.
Glik was dying. Luckily, a liver became available and transplant surgery was performed Nov. 18 at the University Of Maryland Medical Center.
"Without the new liver, I doubt if Jon would have lived till the new year," said transplant surgeon Dr. Luis Campos.
Glik, his girlfriend guitar player Tracey Eldridge, and banjo playing pal Mike Munford helped show how far Jon has come back by playing several tunes for Eyewitness News.
"I urge everyone to please donate their organs. Without it, I would not be here today," said Glik.
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