Amy was born with biliary atresia, a rare liver disease that meant she would need a liver transplant. At just 13 months old, she received that life-saving gift thanks to the generosity of a donor and their family.
Amy is a now playful child, able to run around and play with her older brother Liam. 'It’s almost impossible to tell you how amazing it is to have my Amy happy and healthy again,' says Alexandra, Amy’s mum. 'Amy wasn’t able to do much pre transplant. She couldn’t walk, crawl or roll. She was too sick to eat or talk much and was fed via a nasogastric tube and pump 20 hours a day.'
'Her transplant saved her life but it also changed her life. She’s not just alive, she’s thriving! She runs, jumps, sings and dances! She builds things and loves to read books. Her favourite food is apples and she chats all day long! Amy’s donor family gave this to us.'
There are very few medical conditions that will prevent a person from becoming an organ donor. Even age won’t necessarily rule someone out. Today, people well into their 80’s and 90’s have saved and transformed the lives of others.
Make sure you tell your family what your decision is. This will help them know and support your decision if you are ever in the position to donate.
If you’d like more information on organ and tissue donation visit the Donate Life .
Reviewed 19 July 2022