In 2019 the Morkert family received some devastating news. Avery had several life threatening diseases: Autoimmune Hepatitis, PSC (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis), and Ulcerative Colitis. As you can imagine our lives changed forever. The realization that a liver transplant was imminent brought many challenging days to our family. Though Avery had many sick days, unbearable pain days, sad days, fearful days, there were also many “normal” days. Avery’s perseverance never wavered. Avery continued to play volleyball (school and club), do very well in school, hang out with friends, keep her positive attitude, while never losing her faith in God.

Unfortunately, Avery’s health continued to worsen. Throughout the last year and a half she was hospitalized several times. Avery had several serious infections, stents placed in her bile ducts, and was taking over 10 different medications. In December, the decision was made to put Avery on the liver transplant list. Again, Avery’s positivity and faith never wavered. Though we thought we had time before a transplant was to happen, on March 16th we received a call that would change Avery’s life forever…a liver was available! Avery received a liver transplant on March 17th! The days to follow were grim and so difficult, but Avery’s grit and desire for a full life pulled her through yet again.

Avery came home on March 25th. She had a wonderful homecoming and was welcomed by a drive by street parade her friends had organized. As we watched Avery so happy in the front yard, waving to all her friends, an overwhelming gratefulness showered us all. We knew we had received the blessing of life. Her recovery has been remarkable and she continues to thrive each day.

Though we are very grateful for Avery’s remarkable progress, we know she has a long road ahead of her in the years to come. There will always be the risk of rejection, many doctor’s visits, lifelong medications, and other unforeseeable complications. We have partnered with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) for assistance with these lifetime of transplant-related expenses. But for now, Avery is good and thankful to God for this miracle.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.