Julian Lenz with his parents Camilla and Kristan
A year after their son's life-saving liver transplant, his parents, Camilla and Kristan Lenz, are cherishing every moment with their 2-year-old son, Julian.
The couple's lives changed forever after their son was diagnosed with a rare liver disease called biliary atresia.
Mrs Lentz said: “Julian was born with liver disease and had a scan at University Hospital Waterford before being transferred to Crumlin Hospital for a biopsy and other tests. We weren't expecting this as we had no problems during the pregnancy. Julian's liver was so badly swollen that he had a large belly and small legs and arms. Julian was sent to hospital in Leeds where he had a liver resection.”
They were told the treatment might not work and remained hopeful, but after a few months his body began to fail again.
“His condition worsened and Dr Cranlin decided he needed a liver transplant at King's College London. We were on call 24/7 from 4 December 2013 and the call came through on 26 September 2014. That means we were on the phone waiting for 10 months – all the while Julian's life was at risk.”
On September 15, the family arrived in London for the transplant operation, with Camilla set to be the donor for their sons, but doctors said Julian was too ill to perform the operation. When they returned home, they were in disbelief when they received a call on September 26 saying a new donor had been found. The New Ross couple were taken by police escort to Waterford Airport.
“They did everything they could to stop traffic on New Ross and Waterford bridges. We flew to London by helicopter and arrived in 70 minutes. We had a tailwind and all air traffic at Heathrow had stopped by the time we arrived. It was a miracle.”
The Lentzes stayed at the Ronald McDonald House, where they received excellent care.
“He arrived at the hospital on Saturday and everything went well.”
Camilla, 30, and Kristan, 34, would like to thank their employers Lake Region Medical and Lidl for their fantastic support throughout what has been a difficult year, as well as the team at Sam McCauley's, the Coastguard helicopter, the police and everyone who has helped them in any way.
Camilla has lived in New Ross for nine years and Kristan for six. “Our manager was so helpful. Julian has responded really well to the transplant and has doubled his energy within a week. We've really appreciated the support and are looking forward to celebrating Julian's third birthday on Christmas Day.”
