Walker's Story
Walker was born on September 5, 1992. He weighted
5 pounds 13 ounces and was 18.25 inches long. He came 2 weeks early
and had difficulties from the beginning. He was diagnosed with Alagille
Syndrome at 2 months old. A possible liver transplant was always
a black cloud that loomed overhead. His physical development was
very slow, but mentally he was as sharp as a tack. He was a bright
and very funny boy! Despite all of the pain and interruptions of
medical procedures in his life, he always had a bright smile and happy
attitude. He brought incredible amounts of joy to all who met him.
At 2 ½ he had his first bone fracture
and from then on the bones in both legs suffered greatly. He kept
his wonderful smile and upbeat attitude during all of body casts and orthopedic
surgeries. He was poked at and stuck far too many times, but never
complained.
Walker was listed for a liver transplant in
June ’97 and received “the call” on December 18, 1997. After a very
rocky start, 2 weeks in ICU, and 2 weeks on a regular floor; he went home
to celebrate Christmas on January 14, 1998. He had several good months
and felt incredibly better. He had a great summer; tubing behind
a boat, running on the beach, playing in the surf and sand, playing putt-putt,
and trout fishing. He entered the hospital the end of July due to
complications of the immune suppressing medications. Walker passed
away quietly on the morning of August 8, 1998. He touched so many
lives during his short life and was truly an inspiration to many.
Walker will be terribly missed!
-Evelyn
Cannon
