When Pouline and David took their 4-month-old daughter, Alani, to her routine pediatric appointment in Killeen, Texas, they never could have anticipated the life-altering journey they were about to begin. What should have been a simple check-up quickly turned into a whirlwind of emotion and uncertainty.
During the appointment, the nurse noticed that Alani’s skin had a yellowish tint and immediately called the doctor. After a quick assessment, the doctor urged them to head straight to the nearest pediatric emergency room 30 minutes away in Temple. In a state of shock, the parents learned that Alani’s condition was far more serious than they ever imagined: she had liver failure, and her situation was critical. Alani and her mother, Pouline, were airlifted to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, while David and Alani’s big sister, Liliana, drove to meet them.
Alani was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia, a rare liver disease in infants that obstructs bile ducts, preventing bile from flowing from the liver to the intestines. This results in bile buildup, which damages the liver and can ultimately lead to liver failure. To survive, Alani needed a liver transplant.
For the next several months, Alani and her parents made frequent trips to Texas Children’s Hospital for tests and treatment. During these visits, they were welcomed with open arms at Holcombe House. The house became a home away from home, offering much-needed comfort and support during a time of overwhelming uncertainty.
As the holiday season approached, the family found themselves once again at Holcombe House, surrounded by twinkling Christmas lights, festive decorations and excited children.
“Christmas time at Holcombe House was magical with all the decorations,” recalls Pouline. “There were trees and lights everywhere.”
Despite the festive atmosphere, there were moments of intense disappointment. A few times, the family received news that a potential match had been found, only to learn that the organs weren’t compatible.
In an effort to find some peace during the holidays, Pouline and David decided to return to their home in Killeen to celebrate Christmas. But on Christmas Day, just as they were settling in, they received an unexpected call from the transplant team at Texas Children’s Hospital. A liver match had been found, and the surgeons were ready to perform the transplant. Without a moment’s hesitation, they grabbed their still-unpacked bags and rushed back to Houston.
On December 26th, Alani underwent a successful liver transplant in a 6-hour surgery. When Pouline and David were finally able to see their daughter near midnight, they were overcome with emotion. Alani was surrounded by tubes and medical lines, but her spirit was strong. Incredibly, just days later, on January 3rd, doctors said Alani could leave the hospital and return to Holcombe House to recover.
“If we had to stay in a hotel, we wouldn’t be surrounded by other families going through the same challenges,” said David. “Here, we’ve found a real sense of community.”
Now, with a healthy new liver and a new outlook on life, the family is grateful for the Christmas miracle that gave them the best gift of all: a future filled with hope for Alani.
Through the entire ordeal, Ronald McDonald House was a constant source of support for Alani and her family. From brief visits for tests to a much longer stay during Alani’s recovery, the house provided them with a warm, welcoming community, as well as practical necessities like shelter, food, toiletries, laundry, transportation, and more.