GoFundMe launched for local youth

With April recognized as National Donate Life Month, the spotlight is on Matt Barry of Lewes, who continues to seek a partial liver transplant from a living donor.

Since Matt’s story was first told in the Cape Gazette March 10, Matt’s father Rick said several potential donors have come forward, but due to health reasons, they were not able to donate. 

As a Cape High senior, Matt signed paperwork to join the U.S. Air Force upon his 2019 graduation, but days later he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. Matt’s father Rick said there is no family history of liver problems, and doctors have no idea how he got it.

Matt, now age 20, was immediately placed on the national liver transplant waiting list at the University of Pennsylvania, where he will need to be transported as quickly as possible when the call comes that a transplant is available. 

A GoFundMe has been established by members of the Barrys’ church, New Covenant Presbyterian in Lewes, to help with medical and travel expenses.

Doctors say Matt needs a transplant within two years, and his best option is to receive a transplant from a living donor who gives part of their healthy liver to him. According to Donate Life America, living donation is possible because the liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself. 

A living donor’s liver fully regrows within four months and will ultimately regain full function, Donate Life America states. The donated portion does the same for the recipient, and most recipients can resume daily activities within a week after a postoperative hospital stay of up to 10 days.

Because of his son’s condition, Rick said that Matt’s quality of life has decreased significantly, but the fact that potential donors have come forward has given the father and son hope. Matt’s mother passed away in October.

Candidates need to have O+ blood type, be 18 to 50 years old and in good health. Potential candidates can call the Living Donor Transplant line at 215-349-8220 or go to the University of Pennsylvania screening portal at penntransplant.donorscreen.org.

As part of National Donate Life Month, April 6 is Donate Life Living Donor Day, which honors living organ and tissue donors for saving lives. In 2021, more than 6,500 living donors gave a part of their kidneys or liver to help someone in need. Information on organ donation is available at donatelife.net.