Real Life Stories

Joanna Patrice Sellman, a liver recipient, loves her daily violin lesson, her sister Julie and watermelon.

There were two options: the Kasai procedure, where the ducts are replaced with pieces of Joanna's own intestine, or a liver transplant.

The Kasai procedure bought her some time, but by age one she was on the transplant list.

As the need became increasingly urgent, a childhood friend of her mom's - Jodi Ragno - offered to donate.

On July 20, 1999, Joanna received a portion of Jodi's liver. "Before surgery, Joanna was content to sit in one place and play with a rattle.

After the transplant, we had to buy toys she could push and chase!" exclaim her parents.

Now a healthy little girl, Joanna loves her daily violin lesson, her sister Julie and watermelon.