Farmingdale Man Battles Liver Cirrhosis, Diabetes; Community Rallies

FARMINGDALE, NY — The community is rallying for a longtime Farmingdale resident who is battling liver cirrhosis and insulin-dependent diabetes.

Dan Lisle, 46, has been in and out of the hospital 10 times this year alone, said his niece, Danielle Ferrara, on a GoFundMe page. Lisle has required multiple blood transfusions to address severe anemia, exacerbating his already compromised health, his niece wrote. His liver is functioning at a "dangerously low capacity, leading to a cascade of medical issues" throughout his body.

"Dan's condition is deteriorating rapidly, and he's in urgent need of a liver transplant," Ferrara wrote. "A living donor could provide him with a chance for a longer, healthier life. However, he's currently on a transplant list, joining over 100,000 others in hoping for a life-saving opportunity. Sadly, the wait can be up to four years, and many won't survive the wait. His doctor has warned that without a transplant within the next two months, his life is at risk."

People may donate to the GoFundMe for Lisle here, if they would like to. More than $12K has been raised as of Friday afternoon.

Dan's wife, Dana, is doing her best to balance work and care for him and their two children, Ferrara said.

"I'm reaching out to raise funds to support them during this challenging time," she wrote. "The money raised will help cover medical expenses until Dan's Social Security disability benefits kick in, a process that could take up to six months. Dan is unable to work much longer and is diligently navigating the paperwork for social security disability."

Ferrara asked anyone who has the blood type O positive or negative to reach out to the family. Dana Lisle can be reached at dlisle76@icloud.com.

"We're urgently seeking a match," Ferrara said. "Please consider contributing in any way you can. Your support means the world to us. Thank you sincerely for your generosity."

Dana Lisle shared an update to the GoFundMe page on Thursday — a message from Dan himself thanking people for their prayers and generosity.

"I am fighting, but it has been hard," Dan wrote. "Some days are incredibly painful and difficult to move around well; I feel much better and I try to get as much exercise as I can. The most difficult thing is trying to put on weight when you’re a type two diabetic with liver cirrhosis. I have to keep my blood sugar under control and still put on weight, otherwise I’d be happily be drinking two or three milkshakes every day. I appreciate everyone’s love, support, and prayers. I need as many as possible. If I can get through this, I am living the rest of my life to the fullest, and I will be grateful for even the simplest things that I used to be able to do, especially taking my kids out to play hockey, soccer, or even being able to play some baseball and I miss fishing and crabbing!!"