Deborah worked as an accountant, during which time she met her loving and devoted husband, Anthony, and had their daughter, Zoe. But after a cirrhosis diagnosis, she suffered episodes of hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, several hepatic comas, and eventually, liver cancer. A transplant saved her life, but now she and Anthony must try to hold things together through posttransplant complications ranging from persistent ascites to insurance issues and crushing debt from the procedure that saved her life—but also changed the family forever.

A matriarch and a proud military veteran, Jennie is part of 4 generations of strong women living in close proximity in Sacramento. Over the years, she raised a son and 2 daughters and completed a successful military career. Several years ago she began to suffer debilitating and confusing episodes of hepatic encephalopathy. Her daughters, Elena and Monica, must now juggle caregiver duties while managing their own full-time careers and caring for Elena’s 3 daughters. All the while, Jennie is frustrated with her inability to be the person she used to be—one who took care of others instead of requiring their care.

After years of hard living and struggles with addiction, Mike’s health spiraled out of control when he was diagnosed with cirrhosis, hepatitis C, diabetes, and kidney stones. His recent hepatic coma was a wake-up call. Now he’s trying to get on the transplant list before it’s too late, so that he will be around for his son, Joey. But Mike’s angry and sometimes bizarre HE-related outbursts are alienating his wife and caregiver, Sandy, as well as Joey. With Joey’s future and Mike’s life on the line, the stakes have never been higher for this family.

Lynette’s mind was always going a mile a minute during her career as an executive HR assistant and payroll manager. She also raised a son and always found time to write—her creative passion. Five years ago, she began to experience memory problems and serious health issues, and eventually she was diagnosed with cirrhosis. Her liver disease has progressed to the point that she needs a transplant and is stricken by episodes of hepatic encephalopathy that change her into someone her friends and loved ones barely even recognize. After years of isolating herself with the disease, she’s finally letting her supportive sister, Monica, get involved. With Monica’s help, Lynette is trying to keep herself in the best possible shape for a transplant—and hold on to the sharp mind that’s always made her who she is.