**LIVER TRANSPLANT** Caninn Minor is a 16-year-old young man who was diagnosed with CF at birth (Cystic fibrosis is a disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. It is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in children and young adults. It is a life-threatening disorder, that has numerous comorbidities). Caninn had his first surgery at only 3 days old. By 5 years old he had lost most of his intestines (short gut, a condition that develops when the small intestine, also called the small bowel, is shortened or damaged and cannot absorb enough nutrients from the foods you eat to maintain health). For the past 14 years Caninn’s CF has not been easy but has been manageable. Caninn has had many hospitalizations, along with his frequent doctor visits.

In May they were told that Caninn was showing signs of liver failure, but he had time. Then on Sept 8th he developed a stomach bleed at which time the liver stopped working, non-alcoholic cirrhosis. He was flown to UCSF Benioff Hospital on Sept 9th.

While at UCSF Benioff Hospital a TIPS/shunt procedure was performed to bypass his liver until there is a new liver available, a band-aid. When a liver is received, the doctors will need to test the liver to make sure that it is a good match for Caninn. Once they get the approval the surgery is 8-9 hours. Caninn will then spend 2 weeks, if all stays well, in the hospital. Tia and Caninn will need to stay/live a minimum of 8 weeks in San Francisco. While they await the liver, they will need to continue to travel to San Francisco for checkups. They will also need to travel after the transplant is complete. Trapper will continue to work and travel to San Francisco as much as time will allow.

On 10/25/23, Caninn was transported via ambulance to the ER in Reno. His ammonia levels were in the 500’s, normal is 11 (Seizures, encephalopathy, coma, and even death can occur in cases with ammonia levels greater than 200 micromol/L). Caninn began having seizures, with numerous other reactions. The hospital intubated him and put him into a medical induced coma. He was flown again to UCSF. This life-threatening event moved him to #2 on the transplant list. Caninn and Tia were at the hospital for almost 2 weeks. They continued to test his ammonia level, which they were able to get the level down, moving him back down the list. The TPN was adjusted (losing essential vitamins that are needed in his condition), and his diet had to be changed.

Caninn also suffers from kidney stone disease. All these ailments hinder Caninn from participating in a public-school setting, participating in sports, or working a job. He cannot risk being exposed to any potential illness/infections.

Financially, this family could use some help with transplant related expenses, so they have partnered with COTA for assistance. Trapper and Tia have raised 3 amazing kids. Trea and Presleey have been a true lifeline to their parents, the effect on their brother being sick has left them both heart broken. Tia worked on and off over the years, but ultimately was pulled home to be with Caninn. She had an interview the day that Caninn was admitted, her dream job, but will not be able to accept. Trapper works vigorously for his little family. Being a single-family income, there are limited funds to help them through this.

Any donations to COTA for Caninn is appreciated by the Oberhansli-Minor family.

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.