Dear Friends and Family,

We wanted to provide an update on Baby Lucas and our family’s journey as we approach his liver transplant. Recently, Sarah and Dan took Lucas to NewYork-Presbyterian (NYP) for a week of evaluations to determine his eligibility for a transplant. During this time, they also went through the process of becoming living donors. We are happy to share that Sarah has been selected as Lucas’s living donor, and she will be donating 15-20% of her left lobe to him on June 17th, 2025.

This is both an exciting and nerve-wracking moment for our family. Lucas will be receiving a second chance at life, but we also know there are risks, especially since he will be immune-compromised post-transplant. Nevertheless, we are filled with hope and gratitude.

Lucas continues to hit all of his milestones and is his usual wild, outgoing self. He has no fear and brings so much joy and “spice” to our family. His spirit is a constant reminder of the strength and resilience he has already shown, and we are optimistic about what the future holds.

What Will the Surgery Look Like?

Sarah and Lucas will check into NYP about a week before the surgery for any remaining testing and meetings with surgeons. On June 17th, the family will gather to pray for a smooth procedure. The surgery itself will take about 7-12 hours, with Lucas receiving a new liver, and Sarah recovering in a separate area. Lucas’s recovery could take anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks, while Sarah will be up and moving the next day, though she will have some activity restrictions.

After the surgery, Sarah, Dan, Lucas, and the family will stay near the hospital at the Ronald McDonald House for a few weeks for daily and weekly check-ups. Once they are settled, they will transition into an Airbnb, where Henry will join them. Dan’s family will be instrumental in caring for Henry during this time, as well as for Groot and Drax, the family’s two golden retrievers.

We are incredibly grateful for the assistance we’ve received from our family and community. As the transplant date approaches, we will continue to share more details about the experience, especially regarding the challenges of being immune-compromised. Ultimately, we are hopeful that Lucas and Henry will grow up together, leading happy, healthy lives with the help of some medication.

Thank you all for your love and encouragement during this time. It means the world to us.

With love,
Sarah, Dan, Lucas, and Family