Health
Trumbull County foster child in need of new liver
A Trumbull County foster child is in desperate need of a new liver. Jamie, who is just four years-old, has spent most of her life in and out of a hospital. She was born with a condition that causes bile to remain in her liver.
Tuesday, April 14th 2015, 5:15 PM EDT
Updated:
Jamie, who is just four-years-old, has spent most of her life in and out of a hospital. She was born with a condition that causes bile to remain in her liver.
"I don't think she realizes how sick she is. Her normal has become hospitals and nurses and being poked and prodded," said Marilyn Pape with Trumbull County Children Services.
Soon after doctors admitted Jamie to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh in January, they told staff at Trumbull County Children Services that her condition has deteriorated to the point where she is not able to leave the hospital unless she receives a transplant.
"She is not getting any better and her body continues to bloat and she can't hang on for very long," said Pape.
Jamie has been in the custody of Trumbull County Children Services since she was a baby and the staff along with her foster parents have been with her in Pittsburgh since she was admitted this past winter.
"We are use to putting families back together and seeing happy endings one way or another. So, for us not to know what the ending is going to be for Jamie is very hard for us," said Pape.
An online campaign has been launched to help find Jamie a liver. To be considered a potential donor, you must have type O blood, be between the ages of 18 and 55, have a body mass index of 30 or less and not be suffering from co morbidity conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease.
Any individual interested in being considered as a liver donor for Jamie should contact UPMC at 412-864-3138 to speak with a living donor coordinator.
"I don't think she realizes how sick she is. Her normal has become hospitals and nurses and being poked and prodded," said Marilyn Pape with Trumbull County Children Services.
Soon after doctors admitted Jamie to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh in January, they told staff at Trumbull County Children Services that her condition has deteriorated to the point where she is not able to leave the hospital unless she receives a transplant.
"She is not getting any better and her body continues to bloat and she can't hang on for very long," said Pape.
Jamie has been in the custody of Trumbull County Children Services since she was a baby and the staff along with her foster parents have been with her in Pittsburgh since she was admitted this past winter.
"We are use to putting families back together and seeing happy endings one way or another. So, for us not to know what the ending is going to be for Jamie is very hard for us," said Pape.
An online campaign has been launched to help find Jamie a liver. To be considered a potential donor, you must have type O blood, be between the ages of 18 and 55, have a body mass index of 30 or less and not be suffering from co morbidity conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease.
Any individual interested in being considered as a liver donor for Jamie should contact UPMC at 412-864-3138 to speak with a living donor coordinator.
Stories
Videos
Upcoming Events
