Partial liver transplant needed for Lewes youth
While he was still a Cape High student in 2018, Matt Barry eagerly signed paperwork to join the U.S. Air Force upon his 2019 graduation.
The very next day, he developed a fever that shot up to 104 degrees. After several tests, Matt was sent to Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, where doctors diagnosed him with cirrhosis of the liver.
“It usually happens from alcohol, but doctors said they have seen 2-month-old babies with it,” said Matt’s father Rick Barry. “We have no family history of it, and they have no idea how he got it. It’s a very rare situation.”
Matt was immediately placed on the national liver transplant waiting list at the University of Pennsylvania.
A large gap exists between available organs and the number of people on the list, so patients are prioritized by the severity of their illness on what is known as the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, or MELD score.
The MELD score is calculated on several factors, including how effectively the liver excretes bile and produces blood-clotting factors, current kidney function, and an electrolyte that is a marker for significant liver disease.
MELD scores range from 6 to 40. Generally, the sicker the patient, the higher the score, and patients with higher scores move up higher on the waiting list.
Matt’s scores fluctuate, Rick said. The day of his interview, Matt’s score was 10; the week before, it was 8.
In November, Rick received a call that a transplant was available – but Matt had to be in the Philadelphia hospital in an hour and a half; he couldn’t make it. Rick said they later learned the donor had cancer.
“My wife in heaven was looking out for him,” Rick said. “It was not a good liver.”
Rick’s wife, Matt’s mother Tracie, passed away in October.
A helicopter will be needed to transport Matt to Philadelphia as quickly as possible; family friends are working to set up a GoFundMe to help with costs.
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.
Matt acknowledges that asking someone to donate part of their liver is difficult, but it’s the only option he has to live a longer and better life.
“Because of my liver condition, my quality of life has decreased significantly,” Matt said. “I have to have many tests, procedures and doctor visits. I often can’t do the things I enjoy most in life.”
Matt’s liver is scarred and not functioning properly, so fluid builds up in his stomach. He has a standing appointment every Thursday in Philadelphia to have the fluid drained. In a month’s time, 47 liters have been removed. He also receives a weekly albumin transfusion.
Back and stomach pain and infections have caused him to need hospitalization, and he carries an extra 20 to 30 pounds of fluid on his 6-foot-7 frame. Matt documents his weight, sugar and blood pressure every day, and takes diuretics to help flush his body of fluid. His diet must be gluten-free and protein-rich.
“Matt is not a complainer,” Rick said. “He’ll sit back and suck it up.”
Doctors said Matt needs a transplant within two years, Rick said. With April being National Donor Month, the Barrys are hopeful a suitable living donor will come forward. Candidates need to have O+ blood type, be 18 to 50 years old and in good health. Rick hopes the transplant will be available by May 21, Matt’s 21st birthday.
The Barrys said they have received tremendous support from members of their church, New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Lewes.
Matt’s Air Force recruiter said once he receives medical clearance after the transplant, he is welcome to join the service until he reaches age 28. Joining the military is important to Matt; his uncle is retired Air Force, his cousin just signed up, and his grandfather served in World War II.
“We just pray every day and hope something comes through,” Rick said.
Potential candidates can call the Living Donor Transplant line at 215-349-8220 or go to the University of Pennsylvania screening intake portal at penntransplant.donorscreen.org.
