Ellen Tsantalis was given a second chance at life last year when she received a liver transplant. 77672 Picture: VANESSA CHIRCOP By VANESSA CHIRCOP
By VANESSA CHIRCOP
NOT a day goes by when Simone Tsantalis does not think about the family who chose to donate a liver to her then very sick daughter.
Ellen Tsantalis was just two-years-old when her parents found out she would one day need a liver transplant.
“Last year Ellen’s body started rejecting her liver,” Simone recalled.
“We’ve known for 11 years it would happen then in February-March last year it did.”
Ellen was prepped and put on the transplant list and in August went under the knife to receive the transplant.
At this point Ellen had already missed almost half a year of school, was in pain and mostly bound to her bed.
“I was in bed when mum came up the stairs to tell me, I was excited at first but then scared,” Ellen said.
The 13-year-old said she was very lucky to receive the liver so quickly with some people having to wait years for a match.
For Simone the news that her daughter would no longer be in pain and would be able to live a normal life again came as huge relief.
“It’s given her her life back,” she said.
“It’s really hard to put into words how grateful you are.
“You thank God for the gift you were given … but not a day goes by you don’t think about that other family.
“To make that decision at such a stressful and traumatic time – that’s why talking about your wishes is really important.”
Simone admitted prior to finding out Ellen would one day need a transplant she had never discussed it.
“Until we faced it – it was something we never thought of.”
Simone hoped it would bring comfort to the family of her donor to know their generosity gave a young girl back her future and hoped others would be encouraged to talk about organ donation.
Last week Ellen competed in the grand final of a special basketball competition with Hobsons Bay Police to raise awareness for DonateLife Week.
After missing last year’s season it was her first time back on the court since receiving her new liver.
