Grandfather Receives Life-Saving Liver Donation from Granddaughter

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A 65-year-old Virginia grandfather named Brian Walls was diagnosed with NASH, a form of liver disease, and needed a liver transplant more than two years ago. After his health quickly declined while in the hospital last December, his 25-year-old granddaughter Makaela Hayes stepped up as the perfect match and donated a portion of her liver, saving his life in what the family called a "blessing" and "miracle."

Why it matters

Liver transplants can be difficult to come by, with many patients waiting years on a transplant list. This story highlights the power of family and the impact a living donor can have in saving a loved one's life.

The details

Brian Walls had been on the transplant list for over two years, but nothing ever came of it. Last December, his health quickly deteriorated while he was in the hospital fighting for his life. That's when his granddaughter Makaela Hayes stepped up as the perfect match and donated a portion of her liver, performing a life-saving transplant just in time for the holidays.

• Walls was diagnosed with NASH, a form of liver disease, and needed a liver transplant more than two years ago.
• Last December, Walls' health quickly went downhill while he fought for his life in the hospital.
• Makaela Hayes donated a portion of her liver to her grandfather in a transplant surgery.

What they’re saying

What’s next

As Walls recovers, he encourages everyone to see whether they could be a living donor to give the gift of life.