OCEAN COUNTY — A local family is urgently seeking a living liver donor after their young child was placed on the active transplant list due to a rare genetic disorder, according to a social media post shared by the child’s mother.
Leanna Fischetti said her son, whom she affectionately called her “handsome silly boy,” is now actively awaiting a liver transplant. The child was born with Alagille syndrome, a rare condition that limits the number of bile ducts in the liver, preventing bile from flowing properly and leading to serious liver damage.
As awareness of the child’s condition has grown, Fischetti said many people have reached out asking how they can help, particularly through living organ donation.
She outlined several general requirements for potential donors, including having a compatible blood type — specifically O-positive — being between the ages of 18 and 60, maintaining a body mass index under 32, and being in good overall health without chronic medical conditions.
Fischetti noted that living liver donation involves removing only a portion of the donor’s liver, which can regenerate over time.
Those interested in donating can contact Fischetti directly or reach out to the University of Pennsylvania’s transplant center. For those unable to donate, she encouraged others to share the family’s message and consider registering as organ donors.
“Because you never know what little cutie you might be giving a second chance at life,” she wrote.
You can reach Fischetti at 732-814-2292 or email lgood370@gmail.com.
