According to the National Institutes of Health, Alagille syndrome affects multiple organs in the body, including the liver and heart. It causes liver damage and is associated with several heart problems.
Most parents are ready to do anything to keep their children out of harm's way -- and for Sean Kelley, losing 40 pounds and donating a portion of his liver to save his infant son was a"no-brainer."
They also live with a genetic disorder called Alagille syndrome, a condition that affects three of their children. Initially, Kelley and his wife worked with the team at UPMC to find a donor. The coordinator told the parents to spread the word because they would never know who'd be willing to step up to the plate.
"I didn't know if I would be a match for Sawyer or not, but to even go through the evaluation process I had to get my weight down to a certain point," he added. Kelley tracked his caloric intake and exercised as much as possible, even using his lunch breaks to go on extra walks. He said he was motivated and had a goal to work toward, a goal that he hoped would mean he was a perfect match for his son.
The transplant surgery took place Dec. 19. Mazariegos called the successful transplant"complex and challenging.""He will be much healthier, we believe, with this liver, and be able to withstand infections and withstand things that right now were really big setbacks for him," Mazariegos said.
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