He almost wasn't allowed to do so.
In October of 2009, liver disease landed Patty Gregory on a transplant waiting list at Toronto General Hospital.
Her son, Trey, then 16, suggested he donate a portion of his liver. Patty was sure a donor would come forward in time, and was uncomfortable with her son risking his life for hers. Besides, hospital officials said no. The minimum age for live donors was 18.
As Patty's condition worsened, Trey started to lobby the hospital. The Star reports he met with surgeons, donor co-ordinators, social workers and a psychiatrist.
The Grade 12 student won over the local medical community. Gregory's challenge to Toronto General's transplant policy resulted in real change: the hospital now consider donors as young as 16.
On May 13th, five days after Mother's Day, Trey underwent the 11-hour surgery that allowed his mother to receive the liver portion she needed. He says it's the best gift he's ever given her.
The healthy teen recovered from the surgery quickly, and will be ready for football season in the fall. As with all donors, he'll need regular checkups for the next 10 years.
"I'm alive and my son saved my life," Patty told The Star.
The mother/son duo are planning a Caribbean-cruise holiday to celebrate the successful donation.
(Photo credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
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