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Giving the gift of life
GRAD 2012
Daughter undergoes live liver transplant for her mother Niomi Pearson THE CHRONICLE
Nearly one year ago, Della Daniels donated half of her liver to her mother Donna, whose health was declining due to chronic liver disease. It cost her a collapsed lung, two failing kidneys and a barrage of medical tests and ailments, and though the transplant failed, the 28-year-old says she would go through it all again for the chance to help save her mother’s life. And just one week ago, Della was one of 39 live liver donors to receive a Gift of Life medal from BC Transplant on May 28. She is hoping her story will inspire others to consider registering as an organ donor or for live donation. “We don’t take anything for granted; we’re grateful to be alive,” she said. “This experience was the scariest thing I’ve ever had to face, but we did it together and we’re still here today.” Donna, now 52, was diagnosed with liver disease in 2008. A year later, she was still on the wait list for a new liver. Transplants are prioritized by the MELD [Model for End-Stage Liver Disease] system, a score that determines a patient’s condition. However, while Donna was quite ill — suffering from confusion and having difficulties walking — she assessed just under the score needed for transplant priority. “Something needed be done,” Della said. “Every time we went back to BC Transplant, it was the same news; she’d be within the same range every time.” While visiting BC Transplant, Della learned about live liver transplant and decided to look into the possibility. “We happened to be the same blood type and Larissa Burnett and Stephen Klettke share an embrace before walking the stage Friday night during the Ladysmith Secondary School See Della Page 3 NIOMI PEARSON/CHRONICLE graduation. For photos of the weekend grad festivities, see pages 14 and 15.
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