25November 2020
The Washington, D.C. bike community is preparing to bid farewell to one of its most cherished cyclists. David Confer, 52, a regional bike shop owner, mechanic, and popular ride and race organizer, is passing away from cirrhosis.
Even if you don't know him personally, you've most likely ridden with Confer, if you've done any sort of social ride, street feline, or crit race in Washington, D.C. He's recognizable by his fun-loving character and customized track bike (and frequently, a neon pink wig on irreversible loan from his partner).
“If there was something occurring with a bike here in the district, he was there,” Cate Cohen, Confer's longtime partner, told Bicycling.
In March 2019, Confer awakened one morning violently vomiting blood, his very first indicator of severe liver failure. He ended up in the ICU, where he spent a few days on a ventilator.
Confer's group of doctors determined that he needed a liver transplant, and through lots of healthcare facility journeys and treatments, they attempted to keep Confer's health as best they could. Confer was also in remission from cancer, having actually been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in early 2017– but his medical professionals convinced him that a transplant was still possible.
When Confer wound up back in the ICU this September, a various physician, who Cohen referred to as “terrific” and “thoughtful,” was more upcoming about Confer's real odds: He ‘d just ever had a five-percent possibility of receiving a transplant, and likely had 2 to 3 months delegated live.