St. Thomas Family Mobilizes for Urgent Liver Transplant for Daughter

A family from St. Thomas, Ontario, is rallying support for their 12-year-old daughter, Lily Wagg, who urgently requires a liver transplant. The need for a transplant arose after Lily was diagnosed with severe liver failure, prompting an outpouring of community support following a viral social media post that called for potential liver donors.

According to her father, Ryan Wagg, the medical team at Toronto General Hospital overseeing the adult live-donor program has been overwhelmed by the response. “They’ve asked us to thank everyone and noted that they don’t need any more applications due to the astonishing turnout,” he stated. The family has been informed that this is one of the first instances where they have stopped counting potential donor applications for a patient.

The process for screening applicants is extensive, involving CT scans, MRIs, blood tests, and X-rays. Each candidate is assessed individually, which can prolong the waiting period. The Wagg family has been advised that a living donor would provide the best chance for a successful match. “A donor could potentially donate a part of their liver, which can regenerate within six to eight weeks for both the donor and the recipient,” added Ryan.

If a living donor cannot be found, the family also has the option of considering a deceased donor, which would involve receiving a full liver. Alicia Wagg, Lily’s mother, emphasized the need for timely action as they navigate this challenging situation.

Lily’s health began to decline several months ago when her parents noticed symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal distension, and a lack of appetite. Following a series of tests at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital and London Children’s Hospital, she was transferred to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. “Her liver is no longer able to sustain life, so a transplant is needed,” Ryan recalled from the doctors’ assessment.

Currently, the Wagg family is residing at Ronald McDonald House in Toronto to stay close to Lily as she receives treatment. They have been at the hospital throughout January 2024, managing the emotional and logistical challenges of their situation. “We are at the mercy of our family, friends, and colleagues,” Ryan explained, highlighting the balancing act of coordinating support while ensuring Lily receives the medical attention she requires.

While waiting for a suitable donor, doctors are closely monitoring Lily’s condition, checking her levels and blood work two to three times daily. “She’s very sick,” Ryan noted. “She doesn’t have months to wait, and at any moment, her situation could decline.”

Once a donor is secured, the surgery is expected to take between six and eight hours, a significant procedure that poses considerable risks. “It’s a big operation and it’s a big ask on the body,” Ryan said, expressing hope that they will find a donor before her health deteriorates further.

In light of their circumstances, friends have initiated an online fundraiser to help alleviate the family’s financial burden during this challenging time. The Wagg family continues to share updates with their community, remaining grateful for the extensive support they have received.