A Chain of Hope: Couple Finds ‘Living’ Solution to Liver Disease
For many, the holidays are a time for joy and celebration. For Elena Perez, it’s a season alongside her boyfriend, Santiago Robles III, marked by an extraordinary act of love and a unique medical miracle. Thanks to a complex, intricate process known as paired organ donation, Perez will receive a new chance at life this month, inspired by the transformative power of a
"It’s not your typical holiday present, but one we’re incredibly grateful for," Perez reflects.
It’s been a long journey filled with uncertainty and hardship. Perez, just 26 years old, has faced a lifelong battle with liver disease. It’s a reality she’s lived with for most of her life. More recently, doctors diagnosed her with both cirrhosis and cancer.
After receiving the devastating news, the couple’s world was turned upside down.“On the outside, it might seem like I’m not sick, but on the inside, my liver is decomposing pretty fast,” Perez confides. Like too many others struggling with serious illnesses, Perez faced the looming weight of a transplant list, where societal demand far outweighs the supply.
Robles, a tightly woven part of Perez’s life, immediately sprang into action, determined to explore every possible avenue to aid his beloved. “You’d do anything for the ones you love, wouldn’t you?”
And so, Robles offered a piece of himself.
Yet again, nature showcased its complexity. Though they were a match, size became a hurdle. Robles’ liver was too large for a direct match, leaving them knocking on the door of a specialized solution known as paired organ donation. Think of it as a multi-part relay race.
This childbirth champion involves two pairs in need. Robles would donate a portion of his liver to another person in need. They, in turn, would be connected to a person whose will donate to Brazil.
“Everybody gets a liver, and everybody moves forward,” explains Robles with un wavering conviction. The entire ordeal underlined the proverb, “It takes a village." For Robles, the decision to go through with this complex surprise, while not entirely unexpected.
Recovery for Robles will be a smoother process, with an estimated two weeks of downtime recovery for Robles. For Perez, the journey will
"I got the call they’d matched,” bless you!”
To enhance awareness of the importance—" is something else entirely. With complete liver removal, reconstruction, and retrieving a portion from Perez’s new pairing for the journey to punch in vast amount of time, hitting a year. Perez’s journey and achievement for Robles.
"My mother-in law is desperate.
“I want say thank you. You’re saving my life," Perez sincerity. is there, you’ll give?" PereztagName
It’s been hard to process but her views are set on the future.
“My biggest gele unitewith something else profound:
“Just go and for Robleswill be a
What are the ethical considerations involved in paired organ donation?
## A Chain of Hope: Elena and Santiago’s Paired Donation Journey
**Interviewer:** Elena and Santiago, thank you for joining us today. Your story is truly remarkable. Elena, can you tell us a little about your health journey and what led you to consider a paired donation?
**Elena:** It’s been a long road. I’ve been battling liver disease most of my life. Recently, things took a turn for the worse with a diagnosis of both cirrhosis and cancer. Being on the transplant list felt like a waiting game against time, knowing how many others need transplants.
**Interviewer:** Santiago, what was your reaction when you learned about Elena’s diagnosis? How did you decide to pursue paired donation?
**Santiago:** It was devastating, of course. Watching Elena struggle was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced. When we heard about paired donation, it felt like a ray of hope. We knew it was complex, but we were determined to do anything to give Elena a chance.
**Interviewer:** Can you explain how this process worked for you?
**Elena:** Paired donation means that someone who wants to donate a portion of their liver but isn’t a match for their intended recipient is paired with someone else in a similar situation. In this case, Santiago wasn’t a match for me, but his willingness to donate allowed us to be part of a chain. Someone else’s loved one, who was a match for Santiago, got his liver donation, and in return, their loved one, who was a match for me, donated part of their liver to me.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a remarkable act of altruism from strangers.
**Santiago:** Exactly. It’s a testament to the good in people. We’re eternally grateful to the other families involved.
**Interviewer:** Elena, how are you feeling heading into the surgery?
**Elena**: I’m nervous, of course, but mostly hopeful. This surgery is a chance at a new life, thanks to Santiago’s incredible love and sacrifice, and the generosity of strangers. It’s a true miracle.
**Interviewer:** Thank you both for sharing your story with us, and best wishes for a successful surgery and a bright future, Elena.
