When Tajah first learned that she needed to travel to Pittsburgh for a second liver transplant for her 3-year-old daughter, Azhaar, her heart sank. Overwhelmed and filled with worry, she wondered how they would navigate yet another transplant, especially after the first one failed.
Little Azhaar has already endured more than any child should. Diagnosed with biliary atresia at birth, a severe liver condition where the bile ducts become obstructed, Azhaar has spent most of her young life in and out of hospitals. Without treatment, the condition is life-threatening.
Far from Home
Residing in South Carolina, Tajah and her children previously traveled to Georgia for an evaluation for Azhaar’s second transplant. Because Azhaar’s condition is so complex, doctors in Georgia recommended UPMC Children’s for the second surgery. “They said that Pittsburgh is where the best pediatric transplant surgeons are, so of course, I was willing to travel wherever is best for Azhaar,” Tajah recalls.
UPMC Children’s is a world leader in pediatric transplantation research, pioneering advancements that have transformed outcomes for young patients from all over the world. Through cutting-edge innovation and collaboration, renowned physician-scientists are improving survival rates and enhancing the quality of life for children like Azhaar.
A Warm Welcome at UPMC Children’s
In late 2023, Tajah packed up her four young children and made the journey to Pittsburgh. From the moment she arrived, Tajah was struck by the difference at UPMC Children’s. “I’ve been to four different children’s hospitals, but this one is the best by far!” she says, her smile beaming. “At UPMC Children’s, I get to spend time with my children who are healthy as well as with my child who needs medical care without feeling strained or like I’m being pulled in different directions.”
Azhaar received a successful second transplant and has been recovering well from her surgery. The sweet little girl who has spent so much time in hospital beds can now enjoy dancing, playing with her baby dolls, and chasing bubbles. Azhaar needs to remain near the hospital for monitoring for several months, and her mom says that would not be possible without donor support. “Donors to the Foundation have meant everything to my family. I don’t have to worry about finances and my kids have everything they need despite being so far from home,” she shares.
Exceptional Care for the Whole Family
“I’ve had help from custodial workers to cafeteria workers to the people at the front desk. I’ve been helped financially, mentally, and emotionally. I don’t know of a better facility than UPMC Children’s, and I would recommend this hospital to anyone I encounter.”
– Tajah, Azhaar’s mom
A Second Chance at Life
Tajah is filled with gratitude knowing Azhaar has been given a second chance at life. She hopes their story will inspire awareness of the critical need for organ donation and research, as the number of children awaiting transplants continues to exceed available organs. “I’m so thankful that Azhaar received this gift of life, and for the kindness and support we’ve felt through it all.”
Thanks to your generosity, kids like Azhaar can receive the life-saving treatment they need to thrive.
“To the people who donate, I would like to say thank you for your resources, thank you for giving us virtual hugs whether you realize you do that or not, and thank you for helping us during the hardest moments of our lives,” Tajah says emphatically.