Mom, 41, with Stage 4 Colon Cancer Has 'No Evidence of Disease' After Life-Saving Transplant

Amy Piccioli underwent a liver transplant from a close family friend that helped her achieve 'no evidence of disease' after extensive treatment.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:34pm

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After being diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2024, Amy Piccioli, a 41-year-old accountant from Los Angeles, underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. She was later referred to Northwestern Medicine, which has one of the only programs in the United States with a liver transplant program specifically for patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. In December 2025, Piccioli received a portion of her close family friend Lauren Prior's liver, and three months later, doctors confirmed Piccioli has 'no evidence of disease'.

Why it matters

Colon, or colorectal, cancer is the third most common cancer in the world, and rates in people younger than age 50 have increased by about 2% each year. This story highlights the importance of regular colon cancer screenings and the potential life-saving benefits of liver transplants for patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver.

The details

Piccioli was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer after an ER visit for dehydration in 2024. She immediately underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and started immunotherapy medication. Piccioli was later referred to Northwestern Medicine, which has a liver transplant program specifically for patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. In September 2025, she connected with Dr. Zachary Dietch, a transplant surgeon at Northwestern Medicine. After sharing the link for living-donor screenings with friends and family, Piccioli was thrilled to learn that her close family friend, Lauren Prior, was a match. In December 2025, the longtime friends underwent their respective surgeries, and three months later, doctors confirmed Piccioli has 'no evidence of disease'.

  • In May 2024, Piccioli was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer after an ER visit for dehydration.
  • In September 2025, Piccioli connected with Dr. Zachary Dietch, a transplant surgeon at Northwestern Medicine.
  • In December 2025, Piccioli and her friend Lauren Prior underwent their respective surgeries.
  • Three months after the transplant, doctors confirmed Piccioli has 'no evidence of disease'.

The players

Amy Piccioli

A 41-year-old accountant from Los Angeles who was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2024 and underwent a life-saving liver transplant from a close family friend.

Lauren Prior

A 37-year-old close family friend of Piccioli's who donated a portion of her liver to Piccioli in December 2025.

Dr. Zachary Dietch

A transplant surgeon at Northwestern Medicine who worked with Piccioli on her liver transplant.

Northwestern Medicine

A medical center that has one of the only programs in the United States with a liver transplant program specifically for patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver.

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What they’re saying

“Amy had disease confined to the liver and had responded very well to treatment. For patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases, chemotherapy alone historically results in a 10% five‑year survival. But in carefully selected patients who undergo liver transplantation, five‑year survival can reach 60% to 80%, and some patients achieve long‑term cure.”

— Dr. Zachary Dietch, Transplant Surgeon, Northwestern Medicine (Northwestern Medicine)

“It's such a small sacrifice to make that could potentially save someone's life, or at least improve their quality of life. The impact you can have on someone else is incredible, and it's worth it.”

— Lauren Prior (ABC News)

What’s next

Piccioli will stay in Chicago until the end of the month as she continues her recovery. She plans to share her health journey in honor of March's Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, noting that more younger people are being diagnosed with the disease.

The takeaway

This story highlights the potential life-saving benefits of liver transplants for patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver, and underscores the importance of regular colon cancer screenings, especially for younger adults, to catch the disease early before it spreads.