Next Saturday, April 9th, marks the 3-year Anniversary of Kai's Liver Transplant!
To understand why this is such a huge event for us, it helps to understand the risks of liver transplant.
"Chronic rejection is the presence of any sign and symptom of rejection after 1 year. The cause of chronic rejection is still unknown but an acute rejection is a strong predictor of chronic rejections. Liver rejection may happen anytime after the transplant... Liver transplantation is unique in that the risk of chronic rejection also decreases over time." Source-Wikipedia
At any point in Kai's life, her body could decide to reject the liver transplant. This could be brought on by an infection or virus that activates the immune system or attacks the liver. It could be brought on by certain anti-bodies. Or, it could just... happen. Often the rejection can be reversed by increasing immunosuppressant drugs. Sometimes, it can't and it leads to the need for another transplant and, in some cases, death. Once a transplant patient goes through rejection, it increases the likelihood they will go through subsequent rejections. However, the farther out from transplant they get, the risk decreases.
In 3 solid years, Kai has NEVER battled rejection!! This means the risk of such an episode is even lower.
3 years, baby girl!! THREE YEARS!
GO KAI!!!!
If you would like to make a donation in Kai's name, you may do so to Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. Please indicate that it is in honor of Kai Hollingsworth and dedicate it to the Pediatric Liver Transplant Center: https://www.giving.georgetownuniversityhospital.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=200
To understand why this is such a huge event for us, it helps to understand the risks of liver transplant.
"Chronic rejection is the presence of any sign and symptom of rejection after 1 year. The cause of chronic rejection is still unknown but an acute rejection is a strong predictor of chronic rejections. Liver rejection may happen anytime after the transplant... Liver transplantation is unique in that the risk of chronic rejection also decreases over time." Source-Wikipedia
At any point in Kai's life, her body could decide to reject the liver transplant. This could be brought on by an infection or virus that activates the immune system or attacks the liver. It could be brought on by certain anti-bodies. Or, it could just... happen. Often the rejection can be reversed by increasing immunosuppressant drugs. Sometimes, it can't and it leads to the need for another transplant and, in some cases, death. Once a transplant patient goes through rejection, it increases the likelihood they will go through subsequent rejections. However, the farther out from transplant they get, the risk decreases.
In 3 solid years, Kai has NEVER battled rejection!! This means the risk of such an episode is even lower.
3 years, baby girl!! THREE YEARS!
GO KAI!!!!
If you would like to make a donation in Kai's name, you may do so to Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. Please indicate that it is in honor of Kai Hollingsworth and dedicate it to the Pediatric Liver Transplant Center: https://www.giving.georgetownuniversityhospital.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=200
1 comment:
What a beautiful miracle you have!
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