OCEAN COUNTY – After months of uncertainty, a local family is celebrating a moment they had been hoping and praying for: their 1-year-old son, CJ Fischetti, has successfully undergone a liver transplant. Now, family friends have organized a fundraiser to help support the family as they work to help him recover.
CJ, who had been awaiting a transplant because of a rare genetic disorder, came through surgery well, according to Dana Hale, a close family friend of his parents, Leanna and Chris Fischetti.
“Surgery was a success,” Hale said. “He did amazing and the liver was perfect for him.”
CJ will be closely monitored during the days following the transplant, which Hale said will be a crucial part of his recovery.
The successful surgery comes months after the family publicly appealed for help finding a living liver donor for CJ, who was placed on the active transplant list because of Alagille syndrome.
The rare genetic disorder can affect the liver by reducing the number of bile ducts available to carry bile away from the organ, potentially causing serious liver damage.
After the family’s search gained attention in the community, a donor was found and CJ was able to undergo the transplant.
Hale said the family was deeply grateful for the support it received from residents who shared CJ’s story, offered well wishes and explored whether they could become living donors.
Now, friends are asking the community to continue supporting the Fischettis as CJ begins his recovery.
A GoFundMe has been created to help offset expenses and allow Leanna and Chris to spend as much time as possible with their son without worrying about missing work.
Both parents serve their community, Hale said, and supporters hope residents will rally around the family during the weeks ahead.
The Fischettis are also parents to 4-year-old Cece, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease when she was 1. Hale said Cece’s conditions are now well managed.
For the Fischetti family, CJ’s successful transplant marks a hopeful turning point after months of uncertainty.
“He is a strong little guy,” Hale said.
Those wishing to support the family can donate through the GoFundMe.
The post Little CJ’s Liver Transplant A Success, Fundraiser Launched appeared first on Jersey Shore Online.
