In a quiet Geelong home, a race against time is unfolding for one brave toddler and her determined family. Fifteen-month-old Phoebe is waging a courageous battle against biliary atresia, an exceptionally rare liver condition that affects only one in 18,000 Australian children.
Phoebe's journey began with what seemed like common infant health concerns, but quickly escalated into a life-threatening diagnosis that has turned her family's world upside down. "We noticed she was really yellow and her tummy was quite distended," her mother, Taylah, recalls of those frightening early signs.
The Reality of Biliary Atresia
Biliary atresia is a congenital condition where the bile ducts inside or outside the liver don't develop normally. This prevents bile from flowing properly, leading to liver damage and cirrhosis. Without intervention, the condition is fatal.
Phoebe underwent the Kasai procedure shortly after diagnosis, a surgical intervention that can sometimes restore bile flow. While initially successful, her body has begun rejecting the procedure, leaving transplantation as her only remaining hope.
A Community Rallies
The Geelong community has embraced Phoebe's fight, with friends and strangers alike stepping forward to be tested as potential living donors. The family remains overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from their local community.
"We've had so many people get tested to see if they're a match," Taylah shares, her voice filled with emotion. "It's been incredible to see how many people want to help save our little girl."
The Urgent Search for a Match
Finding a compatible liver donor presents significant challenges. Potential donors must meet strict criteria including blood type compatibility, overall health status, and the ability to undergo major surgery. The search has become increasingly urgent as Phoebe's condition continues to deteriorate.
Her family maintains a constant vigil at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital, where Phoebe receives around-the-clock care from a dedicated medical team specializing in pediatric liver conditions.
A Mother's Hope
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Taylah remains fiercely optimistic about her daughter's future. "We're just hoping and praying that we find a match soon," she says. "We have to believe that someone out there can help save our daughter's life."
The family's story has sparked increased awareness about organ donation and rare childhood diseases throughout the Geelong region and beyond.
As Phoebe continues her brave fight, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the incredible strength of a community united in hope.
