Hi, my name is Cef. I have a rare genetic condition called Infantile Liver Failure II. I’m the first kid in Stanford to have this condition. This generic disorder triggers liver failure every time I get a fever.

The first attack started before I turned one. I was rushed to the ER because I was weak, lethargic, and nauseous. I was discharged and diagnosed with dehydration. It took 1 week for me to recover.

Two months later the second attack happened. I had the same symptoms. However, this was a lot worse. Again, I was rushed to the ER and this time lab results showed that my liver was failing. I was airlifted from Sacramento to Stanford. I arrived at Stanford in a comma. The liver failure has affected my brain. For two weeks there were numerous products given to me and different procedures done to support my body. Two days before the liver transplant the doctors discovered that my liver was starting to recover. The transplant was postponed and a day before I was discharged the doctors had identified my condition.

After four months, here I am back in the hospital with the third episode. I’ve been in the hospital for three weeks. My doctors are still deliberating if a liver transplant will cure my disease. There is no known cure nor treatment of my condition. Only time will tell.

We have partnered with COTA for assistance with transplant-related and diagnosis-related expenses. Any support for COTA in honor of me and my family will be highly appreciated. 

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.