In South Lyon, a resilient toddler named Blake Hermann has been given a new lease on life courtesy of a selfless organ donor. Blake, aged 2, had been grappling with a serious condition – Type 1 progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, a rare disorder preventing bile from draining from the liver properly. However, thanks to a successful liver transplant, he’s now active and on the road to recovery.
“We are so incredibly grateful for the donor family’s decision to help our son,” expressed Molly Hermann, Blake’s mother. “His itching is gone, his sleep is way better. His appetite is still improving.”
Blake’s medical condition caused severe itching and jaundice, affecting his sleep and nutrient absorption. Given the typically lengthy waitlist for a liver from a deceased donor, his medical team sought a living donor, although several anonymous offers turned out not to be the right match. Subsequently, after reviewing Blake’s conditions, the United Network for Organ Sharing upped his score, increasing his chances of getting a donor organ.
The family received the life-altering call about a suitable liver on the last day of July. Molly believed it was nothing short of a miracle. “I definitely believe my Grandma had a hand in that,” she said. “I was in absolute shock. I had prayed for this moment for months and months.”
On August 1, Blake was taken into surgery, and eight hours later, he emerged with a new liver. Despite a minor mismatch in liver size necessitating a second surgery, the toddler is now finally back home.
Blake’s doctor, Dr. Najeeb Zoubi, is confident that the boy will regain a normal life. “We expect him to return to being a normal little guy, enjoying life,” he shared. “A deceased donor also allows a healthy person to avoid a major surgery and the ensuing recovery.”
Though Blake still has a feeding tube to boost his weight, his appetite is gradually improving. He enjoys eating Fruit Loops, pretzels, scrambled eggs, and, as he excitedly shared, bagels. His anti-rejection medications do weaken his immunity, but in a few months, Dr. Zoubi expects him to enjoy most normal childhood activities and eventually attend school.
The journey ahead is not without challenges, including regular follow-ups and plenty of medications. However, the Hermann family is abundantly grateful for the second chance at life that their ‘strong and brave’ little guy has received.
