Stephanie Azzarello faced a unique challenge in 2023 when she was informed that she needed a liver transplant due to primary sclerosing cholangitis, a rare liver disease. After being on the waiting list for a deceased donor, she was advised that finding a living donor was her best option. Despite no matches among her family and friends, she took a public approach to seek help.
Dr. Mamatha Bhat, a clinician scientist at the University Health Network Ajmera Transplant Centre in Toronto, recognized the shortcomings of the current liver transplant prioritization system, especially for women and individuals with rare conditions like PSC. To address this, Bhat initiated the development of an artificial intelligence system funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research to improve patient prioritization beyond the existing Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score.
The AI system aims to consider various factors to better assess patient needs. Early outcomes indicate its potential to enhance prioritization accuracy and reduce mortality rates for those awaiting liver transplants. Data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information underscores the ongoing need for organ donations to save lives while awaiting transplant procedures.
After months of campaigning for a donor, Stephanie connected with Trisha Beard, who came forward despite initial barriers due to living in the United States. Following a series of tests, Beard was confirmed as a suitable match. The successful transplant took place after a complex surgery in June 2024, with Beard now considering Azzarello as part of her family.
Despite the post-transplant challenges, Azzarello expresses gratitude for her renewed health and the selfless act of her donor. Their story highlights the impact of living organ donation and the transformative power of generosity in saving lives.