Parents Appeal for Liver Donor for Critically Ill Son
WASHINGTON — A nationwide appeal for a liver donor was issued Friday by the parents of a year-old boy in critical condition with congenital liver disease.
“Only a parent out there can help,†Karen Osterblom, the mother of Ryan Eric Osterblom, told a news conference at the Capitol. “I know it’s a very difficult request but . . . a part of your child will live on.â€
Ryan was taken to Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Fla., three weeks ago. He weighs 16 pounds and has B positive blood type, said Rep. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), who called the news conference. An organ donor should be about the same weight and the same blood type, he said.
“We’re appealing to all parents who may be facing a very tragic situation to donate their child’s liver,†said the boy’s father, Bob Osterblom.
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