Josiah of Pennsylvania Saved by Liver Transplant from Donor at UPMC Children’s Hospital
First published 2024-11-28 12:33:33

In a harrowing and heartwarming tale of medical triumph, a family from central Pennsylvania finds solace and hope amidst dire circumstances. Jodano Sullivan, pregnant with her second child, encountered severe complications when an ultrasound revealed the umbilical cord was dangerously wrapped around her child‘s neck. Doctors at UPMC Harrisburg acted swiftly to deliver Josiah O’Sullivan, who, miraculously, began breathing despite the initial scare. This was just the beginning of Josiah’s fight for life.

Shortly after his birth, concerns arose when routine procedures revealed Josiah’s blood was not clotting properly. His condition quickly deteriorated into acute liver failure. In a race against time, Josiah was airlifted to UPMC children‘s Hospital in Pittsburgh, where Dr. George Masagos, chief of pediatric transplantation, emphasized the urgency of obtaining a liver transplant to save Josiah’s life. children like Josiah, who suffer from severe liver disease, receive national priority for transplants, a system designed to expedite these life-saving operations.

In an unforeseen twist of fate, the very hospital where Josiah was under emergency care became the source of the organ that would save him. Another child on the same floor, whose family faced the unimaginable loss of their own, made the profound decision to donate their child‘s organs, providing Josiah with a second chance at life. Two years later, Josiah is a vibrant and healthy toddler, a testament to the extraordinary generosity of another family’s sacrifice.

The O’Sullivans faced additional trials when their home was lost to a fire shortly after the transplant. The resilience and unwavering support from their community and medical team, including Josiah’s grandmother who moved from Florida to assist, underscored the profound network of care that surrounded them. The family remains immensely grateful for the donor family’s selflessness and holds hope for meeting them one day to express their gratitude. This poignant story highlights the life-saving impact of organ donation and the communal strength that rallies in moments of life’s greatest challenges.


Transplant News
Transplant News

Transplant News brings you the news and content that matters to the transplant community. From patient stories, to the latest in transplant innovation, Transplant News is your window into the world of transplantation.