Although he was four weeks premature, Levi was born healthy; but at two weeks old, he went into shock.  Emergency surgery revealed a birth defect called malrotation.  With malrotation, the intestine is not anchored inside the abdomen.  This allowed the intestine to move freely causing a volvulus, or kink, on the main intestinal artery, resulting in small intestine necrosis.  Levi's necrotic intestine was removed, but his weight was inadequate for transplant candidacy at that time.  In order to gain sufficient weight, Levi was placed on IV nutrition (TPN).  However, extended use of TPN causes liver failure, meaning Levi also needed a new liver.  Levi became listed at 4 months old.  After several months and hospitalizations, Levi received his gift of life (small intestine, liver and pancreas) on March 7th, 2008 at 8 months old.

Since transplantation, Levi has done wonderfully.  At 2 years old, Levi is preparing to participate in the 2010 National Transplant Games.