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The 2024-26 Executive Board
Ashleigh Duran
President
John Beach
Vice President
Susan English
Secretary
It's been more than 30 years since Susan English was a college student, but that time in her life will stand out as the beginning of a long journey to good health.
As a freshman she became hospitalized with elevated liver enzymes and lost 40 pounds. She recovered, but years later, she was diagnosed with giant cell hepatitis, which had caused some cirrhosis of her liver. Over the next 20 years Susan battled moderate hepatic encephalopathy, suffered a spontaneous splenic artery aneurysm, endured extended stays in the hospital and rehabilitative care, and sat on the wait list for a new liver three times. Finally in August 2013, English received her gift of life at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Happy to be returning for her sixth Transplant Games in Denver in 2026, Susan competes in swimming and team trivia. Read more about her 2018 medals here. Susan can be reached at Susanpenglish@hotmail.com.
Moira Miller
Treasurer
Moira Miller became a part of the transplant community in April 1995 when she experienced acute liver failure. After being listed for a transplant in May, she received a successful liver transplant in July, allowing her to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. This journey included marrying her husband Jim and raising their three children.
For 30 years, Moira thrived in the finance sector, where her career took her to various countries and the East Coast. However, in late 2022, she faced a new challenge with health complications that culminated in the need for another liver transplant. After 28 years of immunosuppression, her kidneys began to fail as well, leading to a life-saving double organ transplant in September 2023.
Beyond her health journey, Moira is a passionate swimmer. She first joined Team Illinois in 1996 for the US Transplant Games in Salt Lake City and participated in the World Games in Sydney, Australia. After a brief hiatus from competition, she rejoined the team in 2024 in Birmingham. Grateful for her donors' generosity, Moira is committed to Team Illinois and sharing her story to raise awareness about organ donation.