Fundraiser set for Lewes youth in need of liver transplant
A Lewes community is coming together to raise funds for a resident in need of a live donor for a liver transplant.
Matt Barry of Angola Beach and Estates learned he had non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver as a Cape High senior in 2018. His plan to join the U.S. Air Force after his 2019 graduation was dashed.
The Barrys have no family history of the disease, and Matt was immediately placed on the national liver transplant waiting list at the University of Pennsylvania.
Doctors said the best option for Matt is to receive a transplant from a living donor who gives a portion of their liver to him. A few months after surgery, the donor’s remaining liver and the portion Matt receives will regrow.
To help raise funds toward Matt’s health expenses, a fundraiser is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, July 8 at Angola Beach and Estates Clubhouse, 22971 Suburban Drive, Lewes. The event will include a bake sale, raffles, crafters, 50/50, vendors and food.
Vendors are still being sought, said event organizer Jenine Amato. Tables are $10, and vendors must donate a raffle item valued at $20, she said. The event will be outdoors, so a tent is recommended. Email Amato at jenineamato1@gmail.com to sign up or for more info.
Live donor candidates need to have O+ or O- blood type, be 18 to 50 years old and in good health. For information, call the Living Donor Transplant line at 215-349-8220 or go to the University of Pennsylvania screening intake portal at penntransplant.donorscreen.org.
For more information about the fundraiser and to learn more about Matt, go to mattneedsaliver.com. Donations may be sent via Amato’s Venmo @Liver-for-Matt-Fundraiser.
