Marine Corps values include abiding by a code of integrity, respecting others, and respecting human dignity. For veteran John Rubino, this code of conduct helps shape the way he lives his daily life. Part of this is by helping ensure the health and safety of others, and becoming part of a greater opportunity. In addition to working as a living donor ambassador, John maintains a position on the Bone Marrow Registry. He has donated a kidney to a woman in need and always keeps his eyes out for other opportunities to assist those around him. Most recently, shares News 12: The Bronx, John had the chance to change the world for an infant with a rare condition called biliary atresia.
Eight months ago, a young girl named Ariany entered the world. But shortly after her birth, her family learned that she had biliary atresia. Her condition was poor and, rather than attempt any surgical interventions like the Kasai procedure, Ariany’s doctor noted that the girl needed a liver transplant as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, the donor waitlist showed no matches for Ariany. Her family wasn’t sure where to go next or how to get their daughter the help that she so desperately needed. That’s where John stepped in. John was able to donate a portion of his liver, which was recently transplanted into Ariany. Ariany is now in recovery, and her family is excited to see how their child thrives. Meanwhile, John is just so happy that he was able to provide some comfort and support.
About Biliary Atresia
Biliary atresia is a rare condition in which the bile ducts inside and outside of the liver become either blocked, scarred, or damaged. The bile ducts typically transport bile from the liver to the gallbladder. For context, bile plays a role in the digestion of lipids and fatty acids. However, bile can cause adverse health effects when it becomes backed up in the bile ducts due to biliary atresia. Biliary atresia tends to affect female infants slightly more than males. When symptoms appear, they usually manifest between 2-3 weeks following birth, though some (like irritability and poor weight gain) may appear between 6-10 weeks following birth. Other symptoms include:
- Abdominal distention
- Dark urine
- Pale stools which may appear yellow, white, or gray
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes)
- Intense itchiness (which may be a rarer symptom)
- Liver enlargement
- Kidney and heart malformations
- Liver cirrhosis (scarring)
- High blood pressure
- Absence of the spleen or additional spleens
- Liver failure
Learn more about biliary atresia.
