In June 2007 our daughter Sarah underwent a life saving liver transplant. She was born with Biliary Atresia and
after 13 years her liver had deteriorated significantly. Her declining liver left her tired, jaundice and with
many medical problems. Sarah’s only option was a liver transplant. She was officially listed on May 15, 2007 at
University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center in Miami, Florida. We were very fortunate to receive the call
only one month later. Since we live in NJ, we boarded a commercial flight that morning and flew to Miami. The
donor was a perfect match for Sarah. Her surgery lasted 6 hours and as they wheeled her back from the operating
room, we could see that the jaundice in her skin was already improving. The surgeon said the surgery was a success.
He gave us the opportunity to see Sarah’s old liver. It was very cirrhotic. The new liver, in contrast, was perfect
and healthy. We spent two months in Miami recovering. Sarah remained home for 6 months post transplant. She was
tutored at home and had time to regain her energy. She returned to school in January 2008 and has been doing
wonderfully. She tried out for the middle school play and got a part. This is something she had always wanted to do
but because of her condition never really had the stamina. Life is good for Sarah. We are eternally grateful to the
wonderful pediatric transplant team at University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
How Transplants Affect Families |
