When Konner Sato was 12 years old, he was diagnosed with hepatopulmonary syndrome, a rare liver disease that affects his respiratory system.
A liver biopsy and angiogram confirmed that Konner would require a liver transplant.
“My husband and I were speechless, scared and worried at first. How could this happen to our son? What are we going to do next?” remembers Konner’s mom, Heidi.
The next steps were to get Konner strong enough for surgery.
My husband and I were speechless, scared and worried ... How could this happen to our son?"
He spent 20 days as an inpatient at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children in the Carter Unit, where doctors and nurses made sure the stay was as enjoyable an experience as possible for the teen.
“Konner’s disposition through all this was very positive,” Heidi says. “The nursing staff took exceptional care of him and during the morning rounds, the doctors and interns always asked Konner how he was feeling.
“They were all so kind and explained what needed to be done in layman’s terms,” Heidi adds. “They always were asking us if there was anything they could do for us. They all made us feel comfortable.”
The doctors and nurses strive to provide excellent care for their patients.”
Because pediatric transplants are not performed in Hawaii, Konner was transported to Seattle, Washington, where he received a partial liver from his cousin.
That was a year ago.
Now 14, Konner is doing great!
“He is happy to be back home with family and friends. He rejoined his Iolani classmates and attended a full year in seventh grade. He is even taking up golf again,” Heidi reports.
As for what she would want other parents to know should they be facing a similar situation:
“Ask questions if you don’t understand what they are saying to you about your child,” Heidi advises. “The doctors and nurses strive to provide excellent care for their patients.”
Published on: October 21, 2019