09/24/2025
Hi, my name is Joshua and I am 43 years old, and here’s why I’m sharing this.
Born and raised in New York City's Lower East Side since 1982 — back when the city was a different world. I grew up in a time without cell phones, when kids played outside, made friends on every block, and learned to laugh through the struggle. I didn’t have much, but I had love — especially from my mom, who kept our family grounded and stable when everything around us was chaos.
Life hasn’t always been easy. I lost my father when I was 13. I had to repeat grades, made mistakes, but then I found music and acting through two teachers who believed in me, they saw something in me that I couldn't and those two things opened up so many doors that eventually helped me grow into the man I am today — a father, a grandfather, a caregiver, a friend, and the person who’s always tried to help others even when I was the one in need.
I’ve worked hard all my life — more than 20 years in nonprofit Administration and Development. But in 2021, everything changed when I was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease. I’ve been through comas, hospital stays, and moments where I didn’t think I’d make it. It’s been almost three years now waiting on the transplant list. Some days are good. Others, not so much.
That’s why I’m sharing this: I’m looking for a living liver donor.
I know that’s a huge thing to ask — believe me, it’s not easy to even write those words. But I’ve learned through this journey that there are people out there with incredibly big hearts, people who are willing to save a life. Maybe you’re one of them. Or maybe you know someone who might be.
Here’s what I can tell you:
• I’m still stable and strong enough to receive a transplant.
• My medical team at Weill Cornell/NY Presbyterian believes I have a good chance at a full recovery with the right donor.
• Living liver donation is possible because the liver regenerates — both the donor and recipient can go on to live full, healthy lives.
• My doctors will work closely with any potential donor to ensure they are 100% safe, healthy, and comfortable with every step of the process.
I live with my daughter and my beautiful 3-year-old granddaughter who lights up my world. I want to be here to watch my granddaughter grow up, and I want to meet the new one who is baking in the oven right now, I want to see my daughter get married, and I want to keep helping and giving to others the way I always have.
So if you’re reading this, please share my story. Talk to your family, your community, your network. You never know who might be a match. You could help save my life — or help me find the person who can.
How you can help:
If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a living donor or finding out if you're a match, please contact the Weill Cornell/NY Presbyterian Living Donor Team at:
📞 (212) 746-3922
📧 [email protected]
Just let them know you're calling to be evaluated as a potential living liver donor for Joshua Torres DOB: [February 19, 19821]. Everything is confidential, and there's no obligation — just information and support from a caring team.
Thank you for your time and for reading this whole message. Thank you for your heart.
With love,
Joshua Torres
New York City
43 years old
Father. Grandfather. Fighter. Full of life.
