Paxson's Liver Transplant journey

Hi I’m Paxson’s aunty. My 4 year old nephew recently spent two months in hospital unexpectedly for a life-saving liver transplant in August, and his road to recovery has been rocky. He will be admitted as an inpatient for another week at the Queensland Children’s Hospital in December for a liver biopsy and MRCP of his biliary and pancreatic systems to try find answers for his unstable Liver Function Test results post-transplant, with treatment accordingly. Update: Paxson will undergo another surgery January 9th 2025, requiring stents, a drainage bag and several weeks recovering and being monitored in hospital after discovering narrowing of his bile ducts.

Would love to raise some money towards medical, travel and household costs to help ease the pressure off of Paxson’s parents. They have had significant time off work since Paxson fell ill and with the birth of their third child in September.

If you can help in any way, by donating or sharing this page around, your kindness is deeply appreciated.

More information about Paxson’s liver failure and to raise awareness for organ donation (a goal from Paxson’s parents - Nuku and Caroline):

Wednesday July 31st, Paxson went to the Queensland Children’s hospital with tummy pains and slight jaundice. Numerous bloodwork and tests came back negative for any infection. He was given a course of antibiotics and discharged on Friday August 2nd with no diagnoses. He returned on Monday August 5th progressively worse with pain, jaundice, lethargy, diarrhoea, vomiting and loss of appetite and by August 9th he was in an induced coma diagnosed with acute liver failure of unknown aetiology, desperately in need of a new liver to survive. August 12th an organ became available but was devastatingly found to be unhealthy and unsuitable for transplant. Without this life saving transplant, Paxson’s parents were warned of the heartbreakingly unimaginable future without their gorgeous son. Thankfully, on August 13th, 3 days before his 4th birthday, he had a successful liver transplant.

Organ donation is an incredibly personal and individual decision, and it is one that has profound life-changing and life-giving consequences. With a stranger’s selfless act, Paxson has a future. For the knowledge of organ donation and medical expertise to perform such an operation, Paxson’s family are forever humbled and indebted, and wish to raise awareness of the life-saving power of registering to be an organ donor.

Paxson remained sedated for a further week while his organs adjusted, dialysis was turned off and several neck and groin central venous catheters were taken out. He then spent a further month in hospital while he battled bi-lateral pneumonia, Cytomegalovirus, and learnt to eat, drink, speak, walk and move again, recovering from full body muscle loss.

He has a long road to recovery ahead of him, requiring life-long organ-specific medication to ensure longevity of the graft. A glimpse into recent post-transplant life includes weekly blood work and Liver Function Tests, 13 daily medications, weekly liver clinic at QCH and weekly specialists and outpatient appointments. Daily Immunosuppressants means Paxson is not allowed in the sun, near any crowds, public spaces or shared facilities, as he has an increased risk of skin cancer and the slightest sickness can lead to pneumonia, infection and organ rejection. This means for summer and the foreseeable future, things like no parks, no swimming pools, no playgrounds, no cinemas, no church, no childcare or kindy: homebound.

We hope and pray the results of Paxson’s upcoming operation, scans and tests are positive and this fundraising effort helps relieve some financial burden in his families time of need. A sincerest thank you for any support you are able to provide.