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Stranger's Gift: Ailing Girl Receives Life-Saving Liver
22 Jun
Summary
- Ailing girl born with rare genetic disorder destroying her liver.
- Stranger, a repeat living organ donor, gifted a portion of her liver.
- The transplant gave the young patient a new lease on childhood.
Four-year-old Ailani Troncoso, who was suffering from Alagille syndrome, a rare genetic disorder impacting her liver, has received a life-changing gift. The disorder caused severe jaundice and discomfort, leaving her weak and unable to play. Doctors determined that Ailani urgently needed a liver transplant to survive.
Hope emerged when a living donor, 52-year-old Anh Nguyen, stepped forward. Nguyen has a history of extraordinary generosity, having donated a kidney to a friend in 2019. She felt compelled to help Ailani, stating, "Is it possible that maybe I could do this again?"
Nguyen's impulse to help stems from her own past suffering from a traumatic brain injury that caused chronic migraines for a decade. She understands the desperation of needing a medical miracle.
Care teams at Rady Children's Hospital and UC San Diego Health celebrated Ailani's recovery as she rang a bell, symbolizing her renewed health and the profound gift of life she received. Transplant surgeon Dr. Gabriel Schnickel noted the immense courage of donating an organ, especially twice.
