A Toddler Transplant: How Daddy's Liver Saved Camilla's Life | Patient Stories, Organ Donation and Medical Experts

In this heartwarming episode of the Living Transplant podcast, we welcome Bianca and Joseph to share the incredible journey of their daughter, Camilla. Initially born healthy, Camilla’s persistent jaundice led to a life-changing diagnosis of biliary atresia at just four weeks old. After a failed Kasai procedure, the family was thrust into survival mode at SickKids Hospital, facing the terrifying reality that their infant daughter needed a liver transplant to survive. Joseph recounts the emotional process of becoming his daughter’s living donor, transforming a time of immense fear into a story of profound sacrifice and paternal love.



The couple opens up about the unique challenge of having two family members in surgery simultaneously and the unforgettable relief of their reunification during recovery. Now nearly three years post-transplant, Camilla is a thriving toddler, hitting every milestone. Bianca discusses how they navigate “mom guilt,” the importance of normalizing Camilla’s transplant scar, and the vital role of the “poop chart” in early diagnosis. Their story is a testament to the resilience of families, the power of advocacy, and the miracle of organ donation.

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Each episode, we share patient stories about organ donation from transplant recipients and living donors, along with insights and education from leading medical experts. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, a donor, or simply curious about the world of organ transplantation, you’ll hear expert advice and inspiring journeys of hope, resilience, and second chances.

About our Host

Candice Coghlan is the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation at the UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre. She is also a board member for the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient. After she was diagnosed with kidney failure in her early 20s, she was on dialysis until receiving a transplant from her mother.

Have questions? Comments? Ideas for an episode? Please reach out to the Centre for Living Organ Donation at [e-mail]. Thanks for spending your time with us.

The views and opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Toronto General or University Health Network.