CNN pundit chokes up over daughter's life-saving transplant

Dealing with a broken organ donation system after my 4 month old had liver failure

(CNN) Being present to witness the birth of my twins, Stokely and Sadie, changed my life.

I was instantly moved to become a better version of myself, and my pursuit for a more just and equitable America was deepened. Most parents can attest to similar emotions after the birth of a child. But unfortunately for some, like me, these emotions are coupled with deep anxiety and concern.

Bakari Sellers is a former Democratic member of the South Carolina House of Representatives and a CNN commentator. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion at CNN.

 

My daughter Sadie was born with biliary atresia, a rare condition that ultimately led to liver failure at 4 months and the urgent need for a liver transplant. After enduring 93 long days on the transplant list, Sadie was finally blessed with a new liver. Although my family will forever be grateful for this miracle and the donor family, we cannot overlook the distress sparked by a severely broken organ donation system which leaves 20 Americans to die per day while on the organ waiting list.

 

 

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