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Reagan Devlin
Contributed Photo |
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Baby Reagan Devlin spent most
of Thursday in surgery receiving a new liver.
The operation comes two days after doctors in Boston diagnosed
her with neonatal hemochromatosis, or severe liver
failure. Her family is ecstatic that she got a new organ so quickly
after she was diagnosed.
"It's outstanding for them to find one that fast," Madeline
Palmer, Reagan's grandmother said Thursday. "When I found out, I
said a prayer for Reagan and said a prayer for the person who
donated it."
Doctors found the new liver early Thursday morning and Reagan
went into the 9-hour surgery at 7:45 a.m. and got out at 5 p.m.
Palmer said the baby is in stable condition.
"The baby is fine," Palmer said after the surgery.
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Donations may be made in Teresa or Reagan Devlin's name
to Prosperity Bank account number 7027496808. |
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Doctors at
Wolfson's Childrens Hospital in Jacksonville diagnosed Reagan two
weeks ago with patent ductus venosus, a rare liver condition that
causes blood to flow on top of the liver instead of through it.
Reagan and her parents, Bryan and Teresa Devlin of northwest St.
Johns County, flew last weekend to Boston for treatment at the
Boston Childrens Hospital.
Doctors there conducted further tests on Reagan and discovered
she had severe liver failure. They then placed her at the top of the
transplant list.
"It's been a nightmare," Palmer said. "Hopefully this is the
beginning of a new beginning."
Doctors have not given specific information on Reagan's recovery,
but said it could take up to six months.
"We just want to get her through the surgery and stabilized,"
Palmer said.
Palmer said the transplant has eased the family's worries, but
they remain cautious.
"We're still on edge."
Reagan wouldn't have lived without a new liver, Palmer said, and
she's thankful her granddaughter now has a chance.
"Our hearts go out to the person who donated this," Palmer said.
"They've done a wonderful thing for our family."
