Infant Too Sick for Liver Transplant Leaves Family Devastated

A seven-month-old infant, Barrett, diagnosed with Down syndrome, has been removed from a critical liver transplant list in Kansas City. His parents, Wesley and Ashley Breznik, who are both medical professionals, received the devastating news this month. Barrett, who requires ventilator support, was initially placed on the transplant list due to cirrhosis. However, a subsequent bloodstream infection led to his status being made inactive on March 4, 2026, while doctors worked to clear the infection. Although recent blood cultures returned negative, his care team ultimately determined he was too ill for the transplant surgery.

The family is exploring every avenue, contacting multiple hospitals with assistance from the Children's Mercy pediatric ICU team. Wesley Breznik expressed the critical nature of the situation, stating that a transplant is the only chance for their son's survival. Ashley Breznik shared her hope for more time with Barrett and her commitment to leaving no stone unturned in advocating for his care. The local community has shown significant support, creating 'Barrett Strong' merchandise and establishing a GoFundMe to help with mounting medical expenses.