Baby Girl Receives Part of Her Father’s Liver

Lia Stapleton, born with biliary atresia, now has a healthy future, thanks to her father’s decision to donate part of his liver to save her life.

"We were absolutely shocked with this diagnosis," said Lia’s mother, Carolina. "Our lives were turned upside down."

Doctors attempted to delay the need for transplant with the surgical "Kasai procedure" — a way to bypass the blocked bile ducts. However, it was clear that Lia would still need a liver transplant in order to survive. The months leading up to the transplant were very difficult, and Lia required frequent and lengthy hospital stays.

Lia’s father,Kevin, wanted desperately to be the donor for his daughter. After an extensive evaluation — he got his wish. Lia was 1 year and 7 months old when she received her liver transplant.

"January 20, 2009, will forever be the greatest day of my life," Kevin said.

"Lia has kept that same feisty spirit that helped her when she was ill," Carolina said. "She has grown up so much in the past few months. She loves to do everything with her 5-year-old brother, Dylan. She loves music, plays the guitar with her dad, takes dance lessons and loves all babies. She is wonderful, healthy and we appreciate every minute together."