Donate Life Month: Deanna Anderson

Deanna Anderson received a liver transplant at the Miami Transplant Institute in 2014. This is her story:

Looking at my daughter today gives me the strength to believe in a higher power and in miracles. Deanna was born on July 24, 2013; she was perfect. She had jaundice, but roughly 80% of newborns do. When she was three months old, we learned that she had a rare, life-threatening liver disease, called biliary atresia. Our little girl would need a liver transplant in order to see her first birthday. 

Deanna was transferred to Jackson Memorial/Holtz Children’s Hospital at the age of 4.5 months old, where she moved in, and the wait began- a wait for the gift of life. We learned about patience. Our family recognized how important the role of medicine is; doctors and nurses became part of our family. The team at Jackson/Holtz kept our daughter alive. 

On February 27, 2014, Deanna underwent an eight hour liver transplant surgery. As soon as the call came in from the OR nurse that Deanna was okay, and did well during surgery, she softly told me “she’s no longer yellow, she’s pink!” 

Deanna will turn three years old this July.  She attends school with other children her age.  She loves every Disney princess, and can name each and every one! Our daughter’s life was saved by the amazing team at Jackson, along with the organ donor who gave her a second chance. Our family is forever grateful for this gift of life our daughter holds and we will forever embrace the importance of choosing to donate life.

For more Miracle Stories, click here.