Published on the 07 June 2014 12:42
A nightmare few months for a Denaby family could be coming to an end after a liver donor came forward to save the life of an eight month old baby.
Relieved dad Mark Pearson, 40, was so excited when his son Loki Pearson came out of the operating theatre at Leeds Teaching Hospital’s transplant unit he immediately sent a text to his doting mum Linda giving her the good news.
Although Loki has now had a liver transplant he is not out of danger and is being closely monitored in intensive care. His parents Gemma Cooke and Mark Pearson and five-year-old sister Summer Rose Cooke, are keeping a bedside vigil but baby Loki may be allowed to go home on Friday, June 6.
Grandmother Linda, said the family had three reasons for excitement back in January, as they celebrated at Loki’s christening, congratulated her son Mark on his 40th birthday and also her own 60th birthday.
But celebrations turned to sorrow when the baby became ill – Linda added: “The baby suddenly became ill and the doctor sent Loki to hospital for tests before he was admitted to hospital in Leeds.”
The family began their four-month long intense battle as Loki was diagnosed with liver cancer. The tough fight to save his life began.
A liver was being sought for the tiny tot and finally came the news that the family had waited for – a liver for transplant had been found. For two days the baby underwent tests, but then came news they had dreaded, that the liver was not a match.
The waiting began again, but shortly afterwards great news came as the family was told a matching donor had been found at last.
Loki was rushed into hospital and after undergoing a six-hour operation the agony was over. Linda’s relieved son said: “He is in intensive care. All went well.”
Linda said: “It has been a nerve shattering experience. We all pray now that Loki recovers from the transplant. He is doing fantastically well, but will be on medication for the rest of his life.
“He’s a little soldier. We all want to thank everyone who helped him at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, along with Leeds, plus the quick action of the Denaby doctors.”
Comments