ALONZO'S SUCCESS STORY

When I first heard that my son Alonzo Marte was diagnosis with liver failure my wife and I were terrified. We were told by the doctors at Mt. Sinai that Alonzo would need a liver transplant. I thought to myself how could a newborn need such drastic surgery and how would he recuperate from it. I could not believe that my son needed surgery and to hear these words was as if someone went inside my body and consumed all the life out of me within 48 hours. I started to question why was this occurring and how could my wife and I overcome this. The first thing that came to my mind was to pray to my mighty Lord Jesus Christ so that he can strengthen my family, doctors, most especially Alonzo, my wife and I so that we can overcome this.

As days passed, the doctors had informed us that Alonzo’s condition was worsening. He was not eating, his body was swollen, he was yellow and could barely breathe. My son was in terrible condition. The doctors came in and informed us that Alonzo was scheduled for surgery the next day. I was a bit surprised because no one had mentioned anything to my wife or I regarding his operation. The next day Alonzo spiked a fever and the surgery was canceled, I was upset, but at the same time relieved because my wife and I were not prepared.

The doctors realized that my wife and I were terrified and assured us that they were doing their best to find the right liver for Alonzo and that they will not perform surgery until they have the perfect liver for him. In that moment, I again sat in a corner and began to pray and asked my mighty father Jesus Christ that if he needed my liver to save my son’s life then I am willing to be used as his instrument. The following day, I had asked the doctors if I could be tested to see if I qualify as a liver donor. My wife and I sat down with the doctors of Mt. Sinai and agreed that whether I was an appropriate donor or not, Alonzo would have the surgery the following day. After some blood tests and other exams I was cleared to be the appropriate donor. As agreed with the doctors, surgery was scheduled for the following morning.

The night before surgery I could not sleep since my nerves were on the edge. I thought of all of the worst things that could happen on the operating table. But then I got a hold of myself and told myself that Mt. Sinai has the best surgeons and that everything would turn out great. After surgery, I was in such pain physically and mentally. I was suffering mentally because since I had surgery I was not able to see my son until I was strong on my feet. After I had recuperated, I would stop by to see him every chance that I could. While sitting next to my son, I would sing him songs and tell him that he needs to recover soon so that we can play all day. It was hard to see him in a bed with so many apparatus attached to him and not being able to pick him up. But I knew that when the time came he would be in his parents’ arms and in good health.

To summarize the experience it was very painful and exhausting. But it was worth it because to see my son the way he is today bright eyed, smiling and so active is a true blessing. In addition, the staff, doctors and nurses at the hospital were magnificent. From empathizing with us, to being patient and explaining the same thing over and over again, I strongly believe that God chose a group of great people to deal with my son’s situation. Thank you everyone at Mt. Sinai for being such extraordinary professionals and caring human beings. May God keep blessing your hearts and hands to keep saving children everyday.

A proud and grateful father
David Marte