Little Phoebe Elliston is celebrating her first birthday on Christmas Day, filled with joy and gratitude for the gift of life bestowed upon her by her grandmother. At just four weeks old, Phoebe’s skin turned a jaundiced yellow, and doctors determined that she needed a liver transplant. However, when her body rejected a deceased donor’s organ, her grandmother, Debbie Souter-Matthews, 56, selflessly stepped in.
Phoebe’s mother, Lauren Elliston, 31, expresses deep gratitude for her mother’s decision to donate 20% of her liver, stating, “What my mum has done really hasn’t sunk in for any of us because she literally saved Phoebe’s life.” The bond between the two is unbreakable. Looking at photos of her mother and Phoebe, Lauren marvels at the fact that they now share a liver. Phoebe’s transformation has been remarkable – gone are the days of constant misery. She now radiates happiness and joy.
The journey began when Lauren noticed something amiss with her newborn Phoebe. They sought medical attention at their local A&E and were then referred to a hospital in Leeds, where Phoebe was diagnosed with biliary atresia. This condition occurs when there is a blockage in the tubes carrying bile from the liver to the gallbladder due to abnormal development of the bile ducts. Phoebe required immediate surgery to remove her gallbladder and bile ducts, but Lauren was informed that even after such a procedure, two-thirds of individuals with biliary atresia eventually require a liver transplant.
For the first few months, everything seemed fine, but in the summer, Phoebe’s belly swelled significantly due to a complication related to her condition. Doctors informed Lauren that Phoebe would likely need a transplant before the age of two. In August, Phoebe developed a liver infection, prompting the need for her to be added to the transplant list.
In October, a deceased donor was found, and the surgery initially went well. However, a few days later, Phoebe became ill as her body rejected the donated organ. Her kidneys also failed, and she had to undergo dialysis. Debbie, Phoebe’s grandmother, offered hope as a potential living donor. She had even prepared for the surgery three times before a suitable donor was identified. Shortly after Phoebe’s body rejected the previous organ, she received a successful liver transplant from her grandmother.
Lauren shares that her mum feels as though it was destiny for her to provide part of her liver to Phoebe. Both underwent surgery simultaneously, a nerve-racking day given Phoebe’s fragile state. But Phoebe embraced her grandmother’s liver, which began functioning within a couple of days. She spent four weeks in intensive care, relearning basic tasks such as sitting up and lifting her head due to the loss of muscle strength.
Earlier this month, Phoebe and Debbie were discharged from the hospital and are now recovering at home. Debbie’s liver is gradually regenerating. Although Lauren had initially planned to celebrate Phoebe’s birthday together with her grandmother, they had to adjust their plans due to the rise in Covid cases and Phoebe’s need to shield. Nonetheless, they made the most of the day, complete with a birthday cake and balloons, and sang “Happy Birthday.” However, Lauren has decided that they will also celebrate Phoebe’s half-birthday on June 25th, where they can properly rejoice with her grandmother when shielding is no longer necessary.
Looking ahead, Lauren and Debbie have dreams of taking Phoebe to the British Transplant Games and the European Transplant and Dialysis Games, both to be held in the UK next summer. These events will provide an opportunity for Lauren to connect with other families who have undergone the experience of organ transplantation. The support they have received from these families on social media has been invaluable, offering comfort and understanding during challenging times.
