In December 2004, Bryan and Teresa Devlin faced a parent’s worst nightmare. Their newborn daughter, Reagan, born in St. Augustine, was rapidly deteriorating due to an unidentified illness. The desperate search for a cure led them to Boston’s renowned children’s hospital on a stormy Christmas Day journey.
In Boston, Reagan was diagnosed with a rare condition called neonatal hemochromatosis, now known as gestational alloimmune liver disease, a severe liver ailment caused by a maternal immune reaction. The prognosis was grim: without a liver transplant, Reagan had only 48 hours to live.
The Devlins’ ordeal turned into a race against time. Within a day, Boston Children’s Hospital found a suitable liver for Reagan, and the transplant surgery was scheduled for December 30th. The procedure, led by Dr. Heung Bae Kim, was a critical success despite its complexity, given Reagan’s tiny size and the scarcity of such small livers.
Reagan’s journey, however, was far from over. Post-surgery, she had to live in a specialized glass room, her body unable to fully enclose the new liver. The successful operation marked the beginning of a new life for Reagan, who turned 19 last month. Despite facing lifelong precautions due to her compromised immune system, she leads an inspiring life.
Reagan’s experience has profoundly influenced her life choices. She is currently pursuing an education in child psychology and is considering a career in the transplant field, inspired by her personal journey and the medical team who saved her life.
Her story is not just a tale of medical triumph but also a testament to the resilience and hope that drives families in their darkest hours. Each year, as the holidays approach, the Devlins are reminded of the miracle that unfolded in their lives, a miracle that continues to shape their future.