Page Liked · April 22 ·
Lia Stapleton was born in 2007 and was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia when she was just 8 weeks old. What seemed like a simple check-up with her pediatrician turned out to be a life changing experience.
On that same day Lia was sent straight to an ER and was admitted for her first of so many nights in the hospital. After a liver biopsy, her parents heard the word transplant for the first time. At that moment, their whole world turned upside down.
Lia's mother, Carolina, says, "It was a long road of surgeries, treatments, set backs, complications and above all, a lot of believing. We all knew transplant would be part of our life sooner or later but doctors were trying to buy time, as Lia waited on a very long list."
One year later, they met with doctors at Mount Sinai and for the first time learned that there was a possibility involving organ donation that they had never imagined: living donation.
Thankfully, Lia's father Kevin was a match! Lia's transplant was schedule for January 20th, 2009, a day filled with hope, courage and determination. Carolina sat in the lobby of Mount Sinai for over 20 hours waiting for a miracle.
It was a long, sometimes dark, sometimes bright road, but 40 years ago this would not have been possible and Carolina would be writing a completely different life story. She says, "Organ donation is a must. And the most amazing act of courage and love."
Kevin says “January 20th, 2009 will be forever the greatest day in my life.”
Lia is now 11 years old and has just celebrated her 10 year transplant-aversary. She is brave, determined and strong. Kevin is also an EMT and has saved many lives in many different circumstances, but to him, she was his favorite save.
Carolina says, "I am just the lucky one that watched every second of this incredible fairy tale that changed my life and the story of my family forever, for generations to come." #KidsTransplantWeek #DonateLifeMonth #lifeisabeautifulride
