8-month-old baby from Queens ready to go home after life-saving liver transplant

NEW YORK — A little newborn from Queens is prepared to return residence just after a life-preserving liver transplant.

Her donor is a man from Stamford, who gave the reward of daily life to a stranger, but as CBS2’s Tony Aiello stories, the donor and recipient are strangers no more.

8-month-previous Ariany Perez is treasured and stunning, and she’s alive these days at Montefiore Medical Centre because a stranger was inclined to literally give a piece of himself.

“With every thirty day period, these toddlers can get sicker and sicker. We know that she experienced a terminal diagnosis without a transplant,” reported Dr. Nadia Ovchinsky.

Ariany’s donor is John Rubino, a uncommon “double donor.” He gave his remaining kidney to a stranger in 2019 and a piece of his liver to Ariany on March 2.

“Correct now, my heart is smiling, and a ton of folks check with me all the time, ‘What do you get out of remaining a donor?’ When you see a kid as healthy as that, that is well worth it ideal there,” he said.

A small part of Rubino’s liver was transplanted into Ariany.

“I consider the prognosis is great. In that predicament, the place the infant is accomplishing so nicely, additional probably that the toddler will be incredibly nicely for a very long, practically typical lifestyle. It’s possible to consider one capsule a working day,” Montefiore transplant surgeon Dr. Dominique Jan mentioned.

Esperanza Perez thinks God experienced a program for Rubino and Ariany.

“She’s a wonder of daily life. I told absolutely everyone, she’s a miracle of daily life. And she’s a warrior,” Perez stated in Spanish.

Rubino is a warrior, as well — a Marine veteran who answered the get in touch with to give of himself. Mission achieved.

Rubino advised CBS2 supplying section of his liver was a lot far more taxing on his physique than donating a kidney, but two weeks soon after surgery, he feels great. Within just months, the liver will improve back and operate normally.