When Maddux was 7 days old he was diagnosed with Maple Syrup Urine Disease. A genetic metabolic disease that requires close monitoring of his diet, specifically his protein intake.  MSUD is extremely rare. It affects the way the liver breaks down protein, to put it simply. For almost two years Maddux has lived off of special formula and low protein foods.

Upon diagnosis we were informed that a liver transplant could cure the symptoms of MSUD. Meaning Maddux’s body would be able to handle a normal portion of high protein foods without risk of a metabolic crisis. 

After meeting Dr. Nadig and the rest of the team at MUSC and being completely educated on what it would mean for Maddux to recieve this donor liver, our family decided the transplant would be right for our boy. 

WE ARE SO HAPPY to report that Maddux recieved his liver on December 7th in Charleston SC at MUSC. The surgery went wonderful but that was just the first step. Recovery will be a long road. 

Maddux will need to stay in the Charleston area for about 2 months. *send us christmas cards please*

We will need lots of doctor visits that will ensure the liver is settling with no issues. 

Maddux is a resilient child with a sense of wonder unlike any other.  He never meets a stranger and always greets everyone with a smile and a high five. Maddux’s favorite thing to do is practice for the big leagues by throwing just about anything he can, as far as he can. (We can blame it on Daddy for naming him after Greg Maddux). Our little dude has lots of little friends and family rooting him on through this recovery. Along with a big sister that couldn’t be more excited to share her pepperonis and cheese with her brother. Something she couldn’t do before! 

Thank you for supporting COTA in honor of The Wanninger Family. 

We are so excited to see where the Lord takes us throughout this journey. We are incredibly humbled by His grace. 

A huge shout-out to those of you that have been in the thick of it with us. We would not be here if it weren’t for our families, Greenwood Genetic Center, the amazing staff at CHOG as well as our Transplant Team in Charleston. 

A special thanks also goes out to COTA for helping with the details behind the scenes. 

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.