US military families are special. They make many personal sacrifices to defend our country and our freedom, and we are thankful for all they do. During July, many Americans feel patriotic, especially on July 4, when we celebrate our independence as a nation. This year’s July 4 celebration will be particularly special for one Army family from Ohio, whose love for one another is truly admirable.
The Children’s Organ Transplant Association announced in a recent press release that Emily Hawkins, the daughter of Army veteran Ariane Hawkins, received a liver transplant from her Aunt Charmaine Cale and now has a second chance at life.
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Emily’s family knew early on that she would need a liver transplant.
According to a press release from the transplant association, Emily was born in September 2013, and from the very beginning her parents knew something was wrong.
“She was a small, three-pound, eight-ounce full-term baby at birth so the medical team knew after her first NICU lab draw that something was not right with her liver panel. In a few short weeks after her birth, Emily was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia (BA), which is a rare disease where the liver’s bile ducts are damaged," the press release reads. "She underwent her first abdominal surgery, a Kasai procedure, at five weeks old. This procedure can delay the need for a liver transplant. In Emily’s case, BA caused scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver, which resulted in the need for a liver transplant – but not until she reached nine years old.”
For years, Emily’s family dealt with her health issues.
Her mother began a Facebook group and routinely shared information about her daughter’s health journey. As Emily grew, her family knew that she would have to have a transplant to survive. In February 2022, per the transplant association, her mother shared on Facebook that Emily’s need for a transplant was increasing.
“We can’t always have good news when your liver is on a slow decline. Emily has had portal hypertension since she was two years old. As a consequence, blood doesn’t flow normally, especially in the esophagus," she wrote. "To prevent her veins from spontaneously bursting, she is scoped and checked for large veins, and then they are banded. Emily had three bands placed today. Her transplant evaluation will now need to be sooner than later."
In March 2022, the family reached out to the transplant association for help.
A COTA outreach specialist contacted Ariane Hawkins to begin the search for a liver donor for Emily. The association helped the Hawkins family get Emily on an organ donation list, but at the time, she had a low score, and her need for a transplant wasn’t considered an emergency.
The family knew, however, that they wanted Emily to feel better sooner rather than later and opted for a living donor.
“The summer is wrapping up! Emily is officially listed in both Columbus and Pittsburgh. Our first potential living donor Charmaine Cale, Emily’s Aunt, will be going to Pittsburgh on Wednesday for an evaluation to see if she would be a good match. It’s also Emily’s first day of school," her mom wrote on Facebook. "We are going to start fundraising soon with a program called COTA, the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. The funds raised are used specifically for transplant-related expenses. Emily’s GI specialist said that after we find a donor match it will take about a month to schedule the surgery. So, if Charmaine is a match, Emily could potentially be transplanted by this time next month. Send prayers for Charmaine as she travels to Pittsburgh.”
The family raised money for Emily’s transplant.
With COTA’s help, the family raised $68,000, surpassing its $60,000 goal. Emily’s transplant took place in November 2022, and both Emily and her aunt did great. The transplant association helped make that happen.
“At first, we were hesitant to do any kind of fundraising,” Ariane said via a press release. “One concern was the funds would be heavily taxed, and we worried about the hefty fees associated with popular online fundraising options. COTA promised to support us through fundraising for transplant-related expenses.
"They also award Challenge Grants when certain campaign goals are met," she continued. "COTA offered the assurance that funds raised would not be taxable, and COTA does not charge a fee for their services. Most important was that fact that COTA will be with Emily for a lifetime of transplant-related expenses.”
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COTA wants to help.
Emily will always be a COTA kid, and the transplant organization will be there to support her family as she grows.
“This July, the Hawkins family will be enjoying summer fun and likely celebrating Aunt Charmaine’s selfless gift on the 26th. On July 4, the COTA Family will be celebrating Mom Ariane’s selfless service to our country. COTA is celebrating with you, Hawkins family,” the press release reads.
