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A Montgomery County (web|news) boy who got a much needed triple-organ transplant to save his life, is now quickly recovering from surgery.
The transplant surgery came at 4 a.m. Friday morning and Antonio's father, Antonio Sr., couldn't be any happier, "We'd been waiting for four years, so it finally happened. So it's like, it's something we've been waiting for, it's almost like a dream come true."
Four-year-old, Antonio McBride needed a new liver, intestines and pancreas to save his life. Since birth, Antonio McBride fought an extremely rare intestinal disease called microvillus inclusion, a genetic disorder where his intestines didn't absorb nutrients.
Doctors said Antonio's recovery from a triple organ transplant is remarkable. The jaundiced yellow of his eyes and skin has cleared, his energy is back and for the first time in his life, he's shed his liquid diet and is eating solid food.
Antonio wasn't expected to live past his first year, but two weeks ago, he turned four. He celebrated his birthday in a room at Georgetown University Hospital where he battled the clock, waiting for a triple organ transplant to save his life.
"Kids who are waiting for multiple organ transplants, such as Antonio, may wait three, six, nine, 12 months or longer until an organ becomes available and we still have children who die waiting for organs that just don't come in time," said Dr. Stuart Kaufman.
Georgetown Hospital is one of the few in the country that perform intestinal transplants. Antonio never wanted to be far from his mom Jenne, so everyday she and the boy's dad travel from their home in Germantown to Georgetown to be with Antonio.
Doctors said the operation went well and that Antonio is now on the long road to recovery. His mother, Jenne, said it was an unbelievable Mother's Day present for her.
Both parents said to have him recover so quickly is a huge relief and they welcome their brand-new Antonio.
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