Emily was born in July 2002. She was a healthy 8lb 9oz when born. At a 20 week prenatal ultrasound the doctors discovered a cyst somewhere near Emily's liver. She had another ultrasound just after being born and they found a choledochal cyst. We were told that someday she might have to have it removed, but it might never bother her. They told us to take her home and not to worry.

Emily started to look yellow and we took her to see her doctor. They did some lab work. Her numbers were a little high but not alarming. Frequent feedings and indirect sunlight should do the trick. But she stayed jaundiced and we went back to the doctor. This time her labs were much higher. We went into Boston's Floating Hospital.

Emily was just 7 weeks old when we went to Boston for what we thought was an operation just to remove the cyst. While we were there they discovered biliary atresia. Emily had her Kasai done on September 7, 2002, and was placed on the transplant list shortly after. Although her numbers dropped just after her Kasai, they were creeping up just weeks later. They never dropped again. She remained yellow and the whites of her eyes were green. We were in Boston more and more.

Emily got the call in April 2003. She had a couple of complications and had to stay in the PICU for 4 weeks. Emily came home 5 1/2 weeks after her transplant. She is doing great. We are still going into Boston often, but if she keeps doing as well as she has been, visits should be fewer and far between.

It is nice to have my family home. We want to thank our family, doctors, nurses, and friends for all they have done and for all the support that they have given us. We thank our donor every day, but we don't know anything about him or her. This child who saved our Emily has the biggest most beautiful wings any angel could have. We thank you.

Emily has 2 big sisters, Bridget who is now 3 1/2 and already fight with her baby sister (but Emily is starting to fight back!) and Haleigh, who is 12.