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Halley’s Story

In the fall of 2008, Halley went to the doctor for severe abdominal pain. Further tests were required to determine the problem and these tests revealed she would need surgery.  During the mal-rotation surgery, doctors discovered that Halley had a condition called cirrhosis that had ruined her liver. In order to survive Halley would need a transplant as soon as possible.

It was shocking for this sixth grader to go from healthy to near-death in only a few short months. Twelve year olds aren’t often faced with such grown up situations and Halley has a maturity that reflects her experience.

In November 2008, just a short time after joining the national transplant waiting list, Halley received the liver that saved her life. Although she was scared at the prospect of going through another surgery she remained strong and was out of the hospital in just ten days.

Shortly after her transplant, Halley discovered that the generous donor that gave her the gift of life was a 17 year old girl named Kayla. She jumped at the chance to meet Kayla’s parents and her sister, Katie, with whom she instantly clicked. “It felt as though I’d always know them,” she shares. “I guess it’s because I have a part of Kayla in me.”

Kayla had made the decision to be an organ and tissue donor when she received her driver’s license and her parents honored her decision. “That’s the only reason I am here today. I am just so grateful for this amazing gift I received.”