- FBI, Homeland Security: July Fourth terror attacks possible
- Couple married almost 75 years dies within 24 hours of one another
- 3-year-old found dead in swing was there two days, died of dehydration and hypothermia
- She lost her memory in an accident, so he wants to say 'I do' again
- WATCH: Member of Queen's Guard points bayonet at taunting tourist
The family of Lucas Goeller, a local 2-year-old boy with end-stage liver disease, told Channel 11's Courtney Brennan Wednesday that a liver has been offered for donation.
Lucas has spent more than 18 months waiting for a life-saving transplant, receiving treatment at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. He and his family are returning to Pittsburgh after having traveled to Cincinnati, where they were getting Lucas placed on another transplant list.
A message posted on the Save Lucas Facebook page said the offer for the life-saving donation came Tuesday, and that while the liver is of a different blood type, doctors said a successful transplant is possible.
Other challenges that still need to be overcome include determining if the liver from the donor child, who died Monday of a terminal illness, is safe for donation. The liver also must be successfully harvested and transferred to Pittsburgh for surgery.
The donor family is working with their local organ transplant team to recover organ tissue in hopes of saving the lives of other children, including Lucas.
Lucas' family asks for continued prayers, not only for Lucas, but also for the family of the donor child.
To become an organ donor, visit www.DonateLife.net, and discuss your wishes with your family.
The GNC Live Well Mile announced "Run 1 For Lucas," an opportunity for runners in Pittsburgh to dedicate their mile run on July 31 to Lucas. [CLICK HERE for more information]
The organizers hope that the event will help encourage families who are faced with the decision to say "yes" to organ donation.
