Franklin man’s family has message of hope for people waiting for organ transplants

FRANKLIN, Mass. — Franklin’s Brian Bussaglia never lost hope that he might receive a lifesaving organ transplant.

At 61 years old, Bussaglia had a lot to live for.

And on June 16, when Boston 25 News interviewed Brian at Worcester’s UMass Memorial Hospital for a story on reducing organ transplant wait times, Brian’s optimism shone through.

“As soon as they say they got one (a liver), I’ll run here. Believe me, I’ll get here as fast as I can. I can’t wait to get back. I have four kids, I have a daughter I want to walk down the aisle, grandkids..,” Brian said.

Today, I talked to Brian’s wife of 27 years, Lynn Bussaglia.

She told me that interview, which she didn’t know about until after it was conducted, re-energized her husband.

“He was excited. He felt like he was a celebrity!” Lynn remembers.

Sadly, just nine days later, Brian’s health took an unexpected turn.

Brian did not make it.

Now, nearly two weeks later, Lynn Bussaglia is facing an uncertain future without the love of her life.

She is sad, but she has no regrets.

And she wants other families, who have loved ones waiting for organ transplants, to stay positive.

“He was so hopeful. He was so happy,” Lynn told me. “He really thought he had a chance. And that’s what breaks my heart. And he did (have a chance). And that’s why other people need to be hopeful, because it can happen. It didn’t with him.”

Brian’s death has left his family with a pile of medical bills.

If you would like to help, visit this GoFundMe account.

Download the free Boston 25 News app for up-to-the-minute push alerts

>> Complete local and national coronavirus coverage here

RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

- Boston Coronavirus Information

- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Watch Boston 25 NOW

- Download our free apps for your phone and smart TV