BOSTON – Grateful farewells echoed through the corridors of Boston Children’s Hospital, healthcare heroes sent the Squillante family home to Weymouth.
“He is healthy and about to start his life,” said father Stephen.
That’s something to smile about. WBZ-TV introduced you back in March. Little Steve, his skin so yellow, really needed a healthy liver to fight biliary atresia.
But these days there’s no shortage of sweet Steve smiles, all thanks to what mom gave Shannon.
CBS Boston
After donor testing detected an early blood cancer in dad, Shannon found that luckily she was a perfect match for their son. This month, the Squillantes celebrated a successful liver transplant. Steve woke up with a healthy tan and ready to play.
“I could just tell that his body must have felt so much better, even though he had just had major surgery,” father Stephen recalls.
“At home he smiles so much more. It reminds you of how bad he felt before. Now he’s so happy and just full of energy,” mom Shannon added.
Our first interview was socially distanced in the driveway and we caught up with Zoom as the transplant recovery continued. But after nearly two years in quarantine, this couple is ready for joy – seeing the light of their lives, starting to live his.
CBS Boston
“We are still a few weeks, months away from that. But for him to be able to go to a playground and just play and interact will make me so happy. I will cry so much it will be unbelievable,” Stefanus said.
As for Stephen’s health journey, the family was relieved to have a positive visit with Dana Farber this summer and will be returning in six months. In the many months they waited for a match for baby Steve, the Squillantes kept busy supporting other families in the hospital through Tiny Transplant Titans.
To donate to the organization’s care package efforts, or to register to become an organ donor visit www.tinytransplanttitans.com.
July McDonald
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