Stories of Change

Bryan Breuer never imagined that a subtle change in his eyes would lead to a life-altering diagnosis. It was a regular day at work when a colleague noticed his eyes had turned yellow. That observation led him to urgent care, then the ER and eventually to a diagnosis of autoimmune liver disease. What followed was a whirlwind of treatments, surgeries — and a liver transplant at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. 

Surviving a liver transplant was only part of Bryan’s experience; what followed was a deepening of his commitment to helping others. 

Together with his wife, Michelle Gayeski, and father-in-law, Larry Gayeski, Bryan is helping transform the future of transplant care through their support of the Transplant Division Support Fund at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Their generosity is already fueling progress by advancing transplantation science, expanding access to care and offering hope to patients and families who rely on these innovations for a second chance at life. The impact of their support reaches far beyond the operating room, helping CU Anschutz push boundaries and improve outcomes for those navigating the complex and often overwhelming transplant journey.  

A Road to Healing

After his diagnosis, a year and a half of treatment and 12 surgeries, Bryan’s health began to decline rapidly. UCHealth placed him on the transplant list, and just 17 days later, he received the call. His liver transplant, performed in two hours and fifty minutes, was the fastest ever done at the hospital. 

He credits his care team, including James Burton, MD, and surgeon James Pomposelli, MD, PhD, FACS, with not only saving his life but making him feel truly seen and supported.  

“It’s about relationships as much as anything,” Bryan said. “It’s about the trust that was built along the way. I knew I was in good hands and in good care.”  

A Family Rooted in Service  

Service has always been at the heart of the Gayeski-Breuer family. Bryan and Michelle raised two (now adult) children with those same values and have built a life centered on community and compassion. 

Bryan enjoys skiing and quality time with his son and daughter.

Now, with Bryan recently retired after more than three decades in educational leadership, he’s embracing a new chapter focused on giving back. “I know what fulfills me, and it is doing things for other people,” he said. “As humans, that is what we are meant to do.” 

That instinct to help others took shape quickly during Bryan’s medical journey. “Driving home from the transplant evaluation, we knew we wanted to do something,” Bryan recalled. The moment of clarity became a commitment to help others facing similar challenges and to ensure more families have access to the care and support that made all the difference in his own path to recovery. 

Giving with Purpose 

The family’s gift to the Transplant Division Support Fund is more than a donation. It’s a lifeline for those facing the uncertainty of transplant surgery. Bryan and his family understand that not everyone has the resources or support system to navigate such an experience, and their hope is to ease that burden for others. 

“If we were able to make a difference for other families to have positive outcomes from their transplant, that’s our greatest hope,” Bryan said. “You don’t know anything about the transplant world until you’re in it.”  

Thanks to their support, CU Anschutz continues to push the boundaries of research, elevate the standard of care and reach more patients with life-saving procedures. It’s a legacy of compassion and courage, one that reflects the very best of what it means to give. 

Bryan Breuer enjoying international travels with his wife and family.

Looking Ahead 

Bryan’s days now include long sunrise walks (he once walked 8–10 miles a day during recovery), getting back to his passion of climbing mountains and spending time with their two old dogs. He and Michelle enjoy being with family and friends, traveling and learning about different cultures. But his heart remains focused on what’s next: finding meaningful ways to serve others. “I’m grateful to be healthy and to be able to just have a free mind,” he said. “I don’t have a set idea, but I know it will be about helping people.” 

Bryan Breuer and wife Michelle Gayeski enjoy international travels and special moments in the great outdoors together.