One-year-old Liam Cerda was born with a severe genetic condition called Megacystis Microcolon Intestinal Hypoperistalsis Syndrome (MMIHS) or Berdon Syndrome.
This condition, characterized by the malformation of the bladder and colon which causes digestive problems, meant that the Texan boy was only able to eat through an IV tube.
According to an ABC News report, a recent surgery the toddler underwent made it possible for him to lead a life of normalcy, a nine-hour surgery which entailed eight transplants in a marathon procedure.
The organs he received included a liver, stomach, large and small bowels, pancreas, two kidneys and bladder.
READ: Baby with rare genetic condition is born without a nose
His mother, Julissa Cerda, of Rio Grande, Texas, said her son was doing well after the surgery, and was finally able to eat real food for the first time.
“Liam is doing very, very good. After his transplant, he hasn’t had any issues about feeding,” she said in the same news report. “It’s the first time he’s eaten through the mouth. He’s eating baby food right now.”
As it turned out, the genetic condition ran in the family.
Julissa’s elder daughter Delilah had suffered from the same condition, having undergone a similar surgery in which she received seven organ transplants, although hers weren’t as severe as Liam’s.
“Caring for a child with the rare and dangerous genetic condition was not any easier a second time,” the report said. “Liam’s condition was generally worse than his sisters and he even suffered from internal bleeding before the surgery.”
READ: Severe birth defect on the rise: what you should know
But Delilah had been a tremendous source of support for both his brother and mother.
“She’s only 6 years old and you would be very surprised how well she takes care of him,” Julissa said. “She’s very cautious and washes her hands and wears a mask.”
Just weeks after the transplant, the resilient boy is expected to make full recovery.
“About a week after transplant, he was taken off sedation he was ready to get up and play,” she said. “He was sitting up and getting on his walker. He’s a very playful, happy baby.”
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