A living-donor liver transplant was conducted on August 25, 2009 at the University of Chicago Medical Center. A portion of donor Catherine Ortiz's liver was removed and transferred to 11-month-old Raquel Allen, who was born with biliary atresia. In Part 1, we hear from the Ortiz and Raquel's parents in the hours before the surgery.
Great story! I was born with Bilary Atresia in 1985, and they did a Kasai at 2 weeks. That Kasai was one of the first and considered experimental, but it bought me 10 years before I needed a transplant. I'm now 26, and have had 3 total transplants, but am healthy these days, and hoping to get on with my life. Take care, and be grateful for your health.
Fluffy65 2 months ago
@nikefootball hang in there. Meds are your lifeline. They will get you healthy. Have they done anything to stop the rejection?
ronkirby09 10 months ago
I was born with biliary atresia and I had my liver transplant when I was 8 at Shands @ UF. Im now 26. Always remember to be responsible with taking the anti rejection and keep up with your blood work and appointments!
ronkirby09 10 months ago
ik how it is ive had a liver transplant when i was 1 at the university of florida and im 15 now im in rejection and almost out of it just remember to tell her to take her meds cuz i found that out the hard way hope yall luck
nikefootball897 10 months ago
Coral, Melvin, Catherine, & let's not forget Raquel ;),,
Outstanding!,, & best wishes to all of you. I watched all 3 parts. To Catherine, I've been considering being a living donor in the recent past, and your act of caring & compassion for others (Raquel) are beyond inspiring, & will help me to expedite my actions in proceeding to do so. I lost my mother in 1987 at this hospital in the liver ward, due to advanced stages of cancer that overtook her liver. I would be honored to save a life.
MikeAcco 1 year ago
Excellent video, thanks for sharing!
DonateLifeIllinois 2 years ago
What a beautiful story. What great courage and what a wonderful gift. Best wishes to all. Love, Aunt Kathy
krackyinloveland 2 years ago