Boy With 2nd Liver Transplant Reported Gaining Strength
PITTSBURGH — Ronnie DeSillers, the 7-year-old whose need for a liver transplant won President Reagan’s attention and support, was able to breathe without the help of a respirator Monday, hospital officials said.
The boy remained under intensive care and was in critical but stable condition, Lynn McMahon of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh said.
He was taken off the respirator for the second time since he underwent surgery for a second liver transplant on April 3, McMahon said.
She said that the respirator was removed April 14, but use of the machine had to be resumed after about 4 1/2 hours.
The boy received his first liver transplant on Feb. 24, but a virus soon attacked the donor organ and the infection spread to his lungs. Doctors said a second transplant was necessary.
The case gained national attention in mid-February, when about $4,000 was stolen from medical funds raised by schoolmates in Miami. Thousands of well-wishers, including the President, contributed money to help cover the child’s medical bills.
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