At 11 weeks of age, Tyler Barker was already in the fight of his life. Tyler was born with a rare congenital disease called biliary atresia, a blockage in the ducts that carry a liquid from the liver to the gallbladder. Upon discovery of his condition, Little Tyler was rushed into a surgery for a procedure called a Kasai. The Kasai procedure creates an open duct so bile can drain from the liver.
Tyler’s surgery appeared successful for the first month, until he started developing an infection from delivery of his IV antibiotics. The doctors diagnosed Tyler with Cholangitis, an infection in the liver. Because his Kasai wasn't working, a liver transplant was the next step for Tyler and his family. “It wasn't until the doctor told me that this was the beginning, not the end, that the seriousness of Tyler’s condition hit me,” said Tyler’s mother, Trish Barker. “It was very emotional knowing what he was getting ready to endure.” They waited and continued to fight for the health of their child.
Tyler needed a new liver and was on the waiting list for about 15 months for someone’s generous gift to ensure he could live a full and productive life.
Thankfully, due to a generous organ donor, Tyler received a liver transplant in August 2008 and is now a healthy, active little boy. The family is incredibly grateful for the gift of life!
