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The four-year-old girl remains in critical condition in Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
WARREN
Nearly 500 people volunteered to be tested to see if they are a good-enough match to give part of their liver — and a chance at life — to Jamie, 4, of Trumbull County.
They are being tested one or two at a time at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, but no match has been found, said Marilyn Pape, manager of Trumbull County Children Services’ foster care and adoption department.
Jamie, who was born with biliary atresia, a disease of the bile ducts that affects only infants, has been in critical condition in UPMC’s Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh since January.
“Her deteriorating condition has left her vulnerable to other illnesses and unable to experience the joys associated with normal childhood. Her small body has become bloated, and discomfort has become her new ‘normal,’” Pape said.
“Many TCCS staff members stay with Jamie at her bedside, and the hospital has been really good about having sitters with her. On good days, she is able to play a little. It’s heartbreaking,” Pape said.
Pape said potential donors are first screened via telephone, and those who pass are then invited to the hospital for more-extensive testing.
“There are a couple people involved in more-extensive testing, but we haven’t heard anything,” she said.
To help find Jamie a liver donor, Trumbull County Children Services started a media campaign to raise awareness of her life-threatening condition.
“A Liver for Jamie” page has been set up on Facebook to provide information and updates on the child. Those interested also can visit TCCS’ website at trumbullcsb.com and find the link to Jamie’s Facebook page.
Initial requirements to be a donor for Jamie are having blood type O, being between 18 and 55, having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or less, and not having conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, endocrine disorders or heart disease.
“We are going to continue to fight for Jamie and publicize her need for a liver transplant. We are very grateful for the community for its support,” Pape said.