2-Year-Old Overcomes Rare Cancer with Liver Donation from Aunt

Crew Dearth received a life-saving liver transplant from his aunt Taylor after being diagnosed with stage 4 hepatoblastoma at just 11 months old.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:51am

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Crew Dearth, a 2-year-old boy from Ohio, overcame a rare form of liver cancer called hepatoblastoma after his aunt Taylor donated a portion of her liver to him. Crew was diagnosed with stage 4 hepatoblastoma when he was 11 months old, and the cancer had also spread to his lungs. After intense chemotherapy, Crew needed a liver transplant due to the location of the tumor. Taylor stepped up as a living donor, and the transplant surgery was a success. By September 2025, Crew had gotten clear scans and was cancer-free.

Why it matters

Hepatoblastoma is an extremely rare form of liver cancer that affects only one to two children per million in the United States. Crew's story highlights the importance of living organ donation, as his aunt's selfless act gave him a 'second chance' at life. The family hopes that by sharing Crew's journey, more people will become aware of the life-changing impact organ donation can have.

The details

After Crew was diagnosed with stage 4 hepatoblastoma at 11 months old, he underwent intense rounds of chemotherapy. However, the tumor was intertwined with critical liver vessels, so he ultimately needed a liver transplant. Crew's aunt Taylor stepped up as a living donor, safely donating a portion of her liver. Both procedures went smoothly, and Crew was back home in under two weeks. By September 2025, Crew had gotten clear scans, meaning there were no signs of remaining cancer.

  • In February 2025, Crew's parents noticed he had a swollen and bloated stomach.
  • At 11 months old, Crew was diagnosed with stage 4 hepatoblastoma.
  • Crew underwent chemotherapy for several months before needing a liver transplant.
  • In 2025, Crew received a portion of his aunt Taylor's liver in a successful transplant surgery.
  • By September 2025, Crew was cancer-free after getting clear scans.

The players

Crew Dearth

A 2-year-old boy from Ohio who overcame a rare form of liver cancer called hepatoblastoma after receiving a liver transplant from his aunt.

Taylor

Crew's aunt who donated a portion of her liver to him, giving him a 'second chance' at life.

Nicole Dearth

Crew's mother who was initially shocked and overwhelmed by his cancer diagnosis but is now committed to sharing his story to raise awareness about organ donation.

Chad Dearth

Crew's father who, along with his wife Nicole, faced the intense stress of their son's cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Stefanie Thomas

A pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital who explained that Crew's tumor was intertwined with critical liver vessels, requiring a transplant.

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What they’re saying

“I was shocked, overwhelmed — just deep sadness. I just couldn't believe it. Me and my husband, Chad, we just could not believe that this is what we were facing with our 11-month-old at the time.”

— Nicole Dearth, Crew's mother

“I felt like I was meant to be the one to do this for him. I've always wanted to help people and do something really meaningful, so to get the chance to do this for someone close to me made it so special.”

— Taylor, Crew's aunt and liver donor

“The first thing that I just wanted to know [after surgery] was if Crew was OK, because I know his surgery was way more intense than mine. So to hear that he was doing well just meant everything.”

— Taylor, Crew's aunt and liver donor

“I honestly didn't know if we would ever see that day. We were feeling pure joy and happiness. The transplant was a success, and we were finally done with chemo.”

— Nicole Dearth, Crew's mother

“I never thought about being a living organ donor for someone until Crew's diagnosis, but I am so happy that I got the chance to do so. It has filled me with such joy and gratitude. Organ donation gives recipients a second chance to create new memories with the people they love.”

— Taylor, Crew's aunt and liver donor

What’s next

The Dearth family is committed to sharing Crew's story to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and the life-changing impact it can have.

The takeaway

Crew's story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of living organ donation. His aunt's selfless act gave him a 'second chance' at life, highlighting how organ donors can make an immeasurable difference for those facing rare and life-threatening illnesses.