Turning 18 is a special time in any teenager’s life, but the milestone holds a greater significance for Eden Darcy than most.
The Wyndham Vale resident is celebrating her 18th today, thanks to a life-saving liver transplant almost 11 years ago.
Now she’s urging others to consider the benefits of becoming an organ donor.
Eden was born with biliary atresia, a rare life-threatening condition that blocks the liver’s bile ducts and ultimately damages the liver.
Biliary atresia is rare, affecting about one in 18,000 infants.
Eden received a new liver in August 2005 and today is just like any other 18-year-old.
But, unlike many her age, she is apprehensive about the milestone.
Having grown up with doctors and nurses at the Royal Children’s Hospital who are now like family, Eden will have to continue any further treatment at The Austin hospital now she is legally an adult.
“The Royal Children’s is like her second home because she’s been in and out so much,” mum Leanne said. “[Some kids] find that transition really difficult.”
The transplanted liver has a life span of up to 25 years, so Eden will need another transplant down the track.
And now that she’s 18, Eden is also keen to arrange a meeting with the family of her organ donor.
“I just think it might give the family closure,” she said. “Their child has given life to another child, and I’m doing well.”
Leanne added: “She wouldn’t be here without it.”
To find out more about organ donation, go to www.donatelife.gov.au
