I was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia at just 13 weeks old, a disease that quickly led to critical liver failure. Deanna Lynn Anderson, born July 24, 2013 in Hollywood, Florida. Mom and Dad remember the labor and delivery nurse saying right after Deanna was born "she is perfect!" In Deanna's family and friends eyes, Deanna is beyond perfect; she is a miracle. Deanna also called "Baby D" by her family and friends, was jaundice shortly after birth and went home with the famous biliblanket. Dad used to call Deanna a glow-worm when she was on the bright blanket...Mommy always laughed. After a week or so on the blanket, Deanna "graduated" off the blanket and resumed to a regular non-blanket life. Deanna ate a lot, she gained weight; always 50 to 75 percentile among her growth...she rolled over before the average baby...Deanna was quite perfect. A week before Halloween, Deanna's second-cousin, Sabrina, who is a pediatrician visited her. Of course, it was a joyous occasion for this would be the first time she met her doctor cousin...yet, Sabrina had a non-joyous look on her face when she saw Deanna for the first time. "She looks yellow", were the first words out of Sabrina's mouth. Mom and Dad took this seriously and visited Baby D's pediatrician in less than a week. October 31, 2013, thinking it would be a check-up possibly concerning jaundice; however, the findings were much more scary than just that. Baby D's bilirubin was 8.9; and, that same day she was admitted to Joe Di Maggio for further testing. On November 2, 2013, Baby D's family was educated about Biliary Atresia; their lives were changed forever. How could Deanna possibly be so sick? How does this perfect, happy, healthy looking baby have a life-altering, life-threatening disease?!! November 4, 2013, Deanna underwent the Kasai procedure. Blessed by a phenomenal surgeon, dedicated doctors and nurses, Baby D showed signs of improvement in many ways. Shortly after, her bilirubin went back up. She was moved to PICU once after her Kasai for dehydration. She returned a few days to the hospital after being discharged; she has spent most of her baby life in the hospital, confined to a crib. Deanna formed ascites in her stomach in late November. Baby Deanna began to show signs of a failed Kasai. December 9, 2013, Deanna was transferred to Jackson Memorial Miami, a transplant institute. After a month of this hospitalization, including a liver transplant pre-evaluation, the transplant team decided to list Deanna for a liver transplant. Deanna, still perfect as can be; attempting to eat all of her new formula even with her ascites. Giving all of her energy to rolling over even with the IV attached to her arm. Baby D, a perfect fighter, a perfect miracle. Baby Deanna still smiles, she loves people, and her favorite book (yes, she likes to be read to) :) is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? Baby Deanna sees a brighter future...she sees a new liver in the future...god willing. D is for delicate
E is for eager
A is for adorable
N is for noble
N is for new
A is for admirable
****On 2/27/14 Deanna received her life-saving liver transplant. We are forever grateful for Deanna's Donor; she and her family made the most unselfish act/choice...our daughter is living truly because of her. In addition, Deanna has taught us about life and the true importance behind organ donation...as her parents, we strive to spread the word about the courageous act of organ donation.
