The Wagner family is hoping for a miracle to save one of their twin daughters, after a liver transplant gave the other toddler a fighting chance.
The father, Michael, donated part of his liver to three-year-old Phuoc, a decision ultimately made by doctors because she was the more urgent of the two girls. His daughter Binh is still waiting for a match.
The girls were adopted by Michael and his wife, Johanne, from Vietnam in 2012. They were aware that the girls were sick before bringing the girls home but that didn't deter them.
"We knew they were very ill," Johanne admitted. "Those girls knocked on our doors and they were supposed to be with us and it just took a different path. As soon as we heard about them, we knew they were they were part of our family."
The twins have Alagille syndrome, a genetic condition that can cause liver damage. By 2014, their condition was so bad that they were put on the transplant list.
Michael was an organ match, and Johanne reported that he underwent surgery on Tuesday. He could only donate to one child because of the way the liver regenerates.
"We found ourselves to be very lucky that we qualified right away," Johanne said. "[We're] relieved but we need one more donor."
The couple appealed to social media and global news outlets for help, and have received over 280 offers from people willing to give a liver to Binh.
"Hopefully those courageous people who have submitted their applications will elect to leave their name there in order to help save others who are on the list waiting for a liver, and are just as important as my daughters," Johanne wrote on her website.
"I hope this media campaign is giving hope to the many who are suffering in silence."
Those wishing to donate their liver to Binh are asked to contact the Toronto General Hospital Living Donor Assessment Office for further screening.
