Gigi's Story
Georgia, "Gigi", was born on January 16, 2002. She was born with a serious intestinal problem, which required surgery within hours of her arrival. We believed that she would be hospitalized for 6-8 weeks and then we would bring her home. However, during what we thought was a phenomenal recovery, Gigi's direct bilirubin escalated to dangerous levels. At 10 weeks of age, Gigi was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia, a disease that affects the liver, there is no known cause and no known cure, however, a liver transplant can stabilize the condition and give the recipient a chance a life. Biliary Atresia is the leading cause of pediatric liver transplantation.

Gigi remained in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for six months. As Gigi approached her eighth month, her liver began to decline rapidly and we began the listing process. However, on the exact same day that we were to be listed, Gigi was taken to surgery to repair intestinal blockage. Her liver was much more damaged than anyone had imagined, and could not withstand surgery. She fought diligently to stay with us; unfortunately, due to her extensive liver damage, Gigi became a child of God on Tuesday, September 24, 2002.

It greatly saddens our family to know that if there were more organ donors, our Gigi might still be with us. We want to tell parents of younger and older children alike, to consider organ donation, not only for themselves, but also in the case of a tragedy, for their children as well. Making a decision like this can be the greatest gift of love ever made. However, this is not a decision that can be made at the time of tragedy, it needs to be carefully thought out beforehand. We wish no one to have to make this heart-wrenching decision, nevertheless, accidents happen, and others can be given the miraculous gift of life. We can honestly say that before we were blessed with our angel, Gigi, we had never even thought about organ donation, especially for our children. Now, however, because of her, we strongly believe in making this decision for ourselves, and for our children.