Justin Shapiro is a recent 5 year old who is on the liver transplant list and has recently been moved up to a very high priority. Justin was diagnosed at 3 months old with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency, an inherited disorder that can cause lung disease in adults, and can cause liver disease in adults and children. At just 4 months old a liver biopsy confirmed that Justin had cirrhosis of the liver. The Shapiro's reside in Annandale where Justin atttends the Annandale Pre-school, his older brother, Jason, attends Spruce Run School and his big sister, Alyssa, attends Round Valley School. In January of 2007, Justin's condition became worse as he began having Upper GI bleeds with varices in his esophagus and his stomach ruptured, internal bleeding leading to IV fluids, diuretics, numerous endoscopies, sclerotherapy and peritonitis. Many more trips to the hospital than any 5 year old should have to endure.
Justin's family hopes that he will receive a liver within the next 3-4 months. Once Justin receives his liver transplant, his mother Kim will be out of work for 6-8 weeks under unpaid family leave. Justin's dad, Jamie will be taking time off as well. Insurance will cover the transplant, but will not cover many of the other associated expenses. After the transplant, the Shapiro's will have 6 months of weekly trips to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, then bi-weekly visits to CHOP to make sure his body is not rejecting the liver.
