A Pittsburgh family is raising awareness about the importance of organ donation as their 10-year-old son, Lucas Goeller, is in need of a second liver transplant. Lucas first received a life-saving liver transplant when he was just two years old. However, his new liver is now failing, and his family is hoping to find a suitable donor to save his life. Lucas can be helped through either a deceased donor or a living donor who is willing to donate a portion of their liver. Ideally, the living donor would have type O blood, be between the ages of 20 and 49, and have a BMI below 30.
Lucas’ mother, Jessica Goeller, expressed their decision to use their suffering to make a difference and help the over 100,000 people currently on the transplant waiting list. She encourages others to register as organ donors in Lucas’ name or consider becoming a living donor through the UPMC program. The liver of a living donor can regenerate within a few months, giving hope for a successful transplant. The family’s plea for organ donation highlights the urgency and need for individuals to step forward and potentially save a life.