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Grandson's Gift: Teen Donates Liver to Grandpa
18 Sep
Summary
- A 19-year-old Manitoba teen will donate part of his liver to his grandfather.
- The grandfather, 69, was not a strong candidate for the traditional donor list.
- The surgery is scheduled for October 26th, with a two-week recovery in Toronto.
A Manitoba teenager is set to donate a part of his liver to his ailing grandfather. Dawson Penner, 19, will travel to Toronto next month for the surgery on October 26th.
His grandfather, 69-year-old Ray Wieler, has been suffering from liver disease since 2023. Due to his age, Wieler was not considered a strong candidate for the standard donor list. The family began exploring transplant options two years ago, but Dawson was too young at the time.
Living donation became a possibility as Dawson grew older. This procedure involves transplanting a portion of a healthy donor's liver, with both livers regenerating over time. After extensive testing over two years, Dawson was identified as an excellent match for his grandfather.
The Penner family is anticipating a two-week recovery period in Toronto following the surgery. To help manage the expenses associated with travel, accommodation, and lost wages, the family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign.
