First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has generously donated to COTA and for all the prayers and overwhelming encouragement for Kennedy and our family. After nearly 8 years of navigating the challenges of Kennedy’s liver disease, adjusting to life post-transplant has been quite the journey so far.

We received the incredible news on Mother’s Day that a liver had been found for Kennedy (can you believe it, on Mother’s Day of all days!). Despite thinking I was prepared, I don’t think you can ever truly be ready for something like that. We stayed positive for Kennedy, and although she was nervous, she was mostly excited for the prospect of no more itching.

The first few weeks after the transplant were tough. Kennedy was initially doing well, but then her lab results went haywire. They suspected a technical issue with the new liver that would require another surgery. However, after starting her on antibiotics in preparation for the surgery, her labs started to improve, and it turned out to be cholangitis, which was successfully treated with a 5-day course of antibiotics. We were beyond relieved.

We are still working through other issues, such as adjusting medication dosages. Kennedy is currently on 14 medications, which may sound overwhelming, but she has been on numerous medications her whole life, so it wasn’t too much of a change. She also has high blood pressure, likely due to the steroids she’s on, but the medical team is working on getting it under control.

Since leaving the hospital to stay at the local Ronald McDonald House, it has been a time of relief and happiness. Of course, Kennedy misses home, her dogs, and her friends and family. Being away for an extended period is tough, but seeing her healthy for the first time in her life is truly a blessing. We are grateful to be here.

I’ve heard time and time again that the first year is the toughest, and to expect some bumps along the way. But for now, I want to celebrate all the things that have gone right and how well she is doing. Thanks for sticking around and reading this. Your support means everything to our family.

XoXo

Lindsay