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Valley family hoping for living donor for baby battling rare liver disease

Posted at 6:20 PM, Feb 28, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-01 07:30:57-05

Sarah Gibson wears three bracelets that read “Strength,” “Miracles,” and “Courage.” That’s what she needs and hopes for to save her daughter, 14-month-old Grace Kieffer.

"Grace was born with biliary atresia, which is a rare liver disease,” Gibson said.

While fighting end stage liver disease, Grace has spent more time at Phoenix Children’s Hospital than she has at her east Mesa home.

"It's okay because she's there, and she's a lot of fun,” Gibson said, wiping away tears. “Grace is a lot of fun. Everybody loves her."

Still, she'd love to be able to enjoy her daughter outside the hospital.

"You know, do normal things--go to the park, feed the ducks, things like that, play outside, and I'm just scared we won't ever get a chance,” Gibson said.

Grace needs a healthy liver.

According to the American Transplant Foundation, 22 people die each day waiting for an organ donation.

Grace has been on the list for three months. Grace's mom is looking at all the options--now hoping for a living donor. 

"We've had a lot of applications, but apparently, it's a lot harder than we thought to be a match,” Gibson said.

She says they're working with Stanford Health Care to find a living donor—and it would be a donation that would mean the world to this family.

"It would save her life,” Gibson said. 

In a living donation, a person donates a portion of their liver, and it regenerates in both the donor and the recipient. 

She says she’s been told that anyone can apply HERE to check if they qualify.

To help donate to Grace’s medical expenses, click HERE.

To follow Grace’s journey on Facebook, click HERE.