Just over a month old, the little boy already faces the prospect of a liver transplant.
Liam Anthony MacDonald, who was born in Jersey on 26 November to Fiona MacDonald, is currently receiving treatment in London.
Two days after a trouble-free birth in Jersey, doctors realised that the infant had ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) – a genetic disorder which affects around one in 80,000 people.
The illness means that Liam’s body cannot get rid of the build-up of ammonia, which is created when protein is processed. OTCD can cause brain damage, a coma, or even death.
Miss MacDonald, who worked at the Trinity Arms before going on maternity leave, said: ‘When we left Jersey we were told he might not make it, which was really stressful. But he’s doing remarkably well.’
Avril Gallichan, Liam’s aunt and Fiona’s sister, is organising an evening of entertainment at the Town House that is due to be held on Saturday 25 February to raise money for a liver charity and to help the family cope over the coming year.
