Anxious Transplant Wait

Little Madison Cave will only live another year if she doesn't get a liver transplant.

Her father David is anxiously waiting to see if he is a match to be a live donor to his second-born five-month-old daughter.

The family relocated to Bayswater from Liverpool about two years ago with eldest daughter, Emily, 2.

David planned to marry Madison's mum Kelly Barnes and take the children to the Gold Coast in January. But Madison's poor health put those plans on hold.

Madison was born with a blockage of the bile ducts in the liver, a disease known as biliary atresia.

Doctors say about eight children nationwide are born with it each year. The condition occurs once in every 15,000 births.

Madison was rushed into surgery when she was only eight weeks old, but the operation failed.

She spent six weeks in Starship Hospital.

If the transplant is a success Madison will still need another transplant when she is 15 to 20 years old.

Watching her daughter suffer has been an emotional rollercoaster for Kelly.

She gave up her job to care for Madison and attend hospital appointments.

"We have very supportive friends, but it's hard being away from your mum to come and help you out," she says.

David works at the Devonport naval base and has cut back on hours to attend tests and await news on the transplant.

If he is not a match Kelly will put her name forward as a donor.

Madison's parents have set up a trust fund.

Family and friends in England have been donating money for her.

The funds are being used to help out the family – now down one income.

David and Kelly plan to treat both their girls to a trip to Disneyland when Madison is better.

"It's hard on Emily too because she is so young," Kelly says.

The New Zealand Breakers team donated signed memorabilia for the family to sell in a raffle to raise funds for Madison.

By Sarah Coddington - North Shore Times

Photo by Ben Watson