Madden Wes Hartse was born April 8th, 2020. He was 6lbs 9oz and 19in. He was born healthy with zero signs of health issues. 

At about a month Kylie and Derrick noticed he was jaundiced. They did not have immediate concerns because babies can have jaundice until 12 weeks old. At his two month check-up is where the doctors started to have concerns.

The doctors started with a blood test & ultrasound of his abdomen. Once the test results were in, they came back to doctor and were told his direct bilirubin levels were extremely elevated. The doctor suspected biliary Atresia and that they needed to leave for Colorado Children's Hospital immediately. 

Derrick and Kylie left the next day and headed to Denver.  Madden went through a liver biopsy, echos, mri’s, tons of blood work, which all Confirmed Bilary Atresia. This rare disease effects 1 baby out of 18,000 babies. The cause is unknown , which is terrible news for any parent.  

This diagnosis resulted in Madden getting a Kasai procedure on June 12th.  The kasai surgery is where the doctors attach the intestines directly to the liver to allow bile to flow properly.  

They were told the Kasai surgery is not a cure, but that it can slow the progression of liver injury.  Even so, many children who have undergone this procedure will Eventually need a liver transplant even if the surgery was considered successful. 

After months of waiting with weekly blood work and countless doctor visits, the surgery was deemed unsuccessful.

The Denver Team came together along with Derrick & Kylie and determined it was now time Madden started the liver transplant process. So that brings us to today, where we as  family & friends are all waiting patiently for Maddens huge life saving gift. 

Madden is on the uno’s transplant list. When a liver becomes available or is donated, Madden will undergo a major 8-12 hour transplant surgery that will require more than 1 month recovery in Denver. 

Thankfully while waiting Madden and his family are able to live their daily lives, but with that comes all the expenses of traveling, medical bills, daily prescriptions, special formula(which is not cheap and can’t be found at any store in MT).  
Derricks insurance does provide excellent coverage, but there is the max out of pocket amount and all the other uncovered expenses. 

We as a family are asking for Love, Prayers, & Support for this sweet beautiful baby boy.