Ayla Allen, who will be three in May, had a tough start in life after being diagnosed with a liver problem at just four weeks old.
Ayla’s parents, Brett and Dannielle, knew something wasn’t right and took her to Cobar Hospital in June 2017 where she was promptly flown to Dubbo Base Hospital for further tests.
She underwent numerous tests before being transferred to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, where she was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a rare disease of the liver that destroys the bile ducts.
For most children diagnosed with biliary atresia, surgery is needed immediately to repair the damage caused by the condition however Ayla’s body managed to stabilise and her liver continued to work for another two years.
During that time the family moved to Narromine so they could be closer to medical facilities for Ayla.
When Ayla became unwell again in late 2019, she went on the liver transplant list and was lucky enough to receive her first liver transplant before Christmas.
Her body however rejected the donor liver almost immediately but incredibly the chance for a second transplant came four days later, and that was a success.
Ayla’s grandmother Sharron Ohlsen said Ayla is now doing really well and has recently become the “poster girl” for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Bandaged Bear Appeal.
Sharron said they were very grateful to all the staff who have helped in Ayla’s many visits to hospital and encouraged locals to donate to the Bandaged Bear Appeal via their website www.bandagedbear.org.au