Bright days ahead for Ellie after transplant
Dr. Furuya with Ellie
When Sean and Steve Eiles brought their newborn daughter Ellie home, their hearts were full. After a long adoption process, she was finally in their arms. But just a few months later, Ellie began vomiting frequently, her eyes looked yellow. Dr. Karyn Furuya, medical director of the Pediatric Liver Transplant Program, shared difficult news: Ellie had biliary atresia, a rare liver disease, and would need a transplant to survive.
“It was devastating,” Sean said. “I remember seeing Steve cradle his face in his hands. But Dr. Furuya gave us hope. She’s been our champion from the beginning.”
As Ellie grew sicker, family and friends offered to be tested as living organ donors. Sean was a perfect match. Five months after Ellie’s devastating diagnosis, both father and daughter underwent surgery—Ellie at American Family Children’s Hospital, Sean next door at University Hospital.
“It was incredibly tough having my two favorite people in the hospital at the same time,” Steve said. “Nothing prepares you to see your child after surgery.”
The doctors, nurses, therapists and Child Life worked tirelessly to heal Ellie. They made long days feel a little lighter, bringing kindness and warmth.
“The moment we moved from the pediatric intensive care unit to the regular floor felt like we were finally on the road to recovery,” Steve recalled.
Today, Ellie is back at daycare, full of energy, and hitting milestones once thought out of reach. “Every day she surprises us,” Sean said. Ellie’s story is still unfolding with the promise of many bright days ahead.
Because of you, children have access to world-class pediatric transplant care
With your support, we developed UW Health Kids transplant programs entirely dedicated to caring for kids. Donations allowed us to recruit world-class providers, train staff, purchase equipment and adapt our space so kids experience the best outcomes.
Who we are:
1 of 6 transplant centers in the nation serving both adults and kids in need of heart, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, multi-organ and renal-auto transplants
The only transplant center in Wisconsin certified by UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) to perform heart, lung, pancreas, liver and kidney transplants for children
Share Your Story
Did UW Health or the UW School of Medicine and Public Health have a life-changing impact on you or someone you love? Be part of the Wisconsin Medicine story by inspiring others with your story. Share it now.