Allexis Siebrecht, 11, thrilled to be home after liver transplant
CBC News | Posted: July 7, 2015 10:30 AM | Last Updated: July 7, 2015
Siebrecht underwent successful transplant, but will have to be monitored closely, doctors say
After spending the past month recovering in Toronto, 11-year-old Allexis Siebrecht is thrilled to be home.
Allexis was flown from Winnipeg to Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children, or SickKids, last month for a life-saving liver transplant.
"I'm really excited. Like really, really, really excited, because I just get to go home," Allexis said.
Allexis was born with Biliary Atresia, a rare liver disease that affects about 10 in 20, 000 infants.
- Allexis Siebrecht, 11, in good spirits after liver transplant
- Allexis Siebrecht recovering well after liver transplant surgery
Last fall, the Siebrechts were told Allexis needed a liver transplant in order to survive. After months of waiting for a potential donor, the Siebrechts received a call in June about a liver match available in Toronto.
Liz Siebrecht, Allexis' mother, said they didn't waste any time. She and her daughter were air-lifted to SickKids the same night the donor call came in.
"We just took it day-by-day. Allexis has made great progress. It's been emotional here and there," Liz said. "We're really grateful she is doing as well as she is right now."
Alexis said she is feeling well. She is expected to make a full recovery, but she will have to be monitored closely by doctors in Winnipeg.
"Oh, I'm feeling good. I'm feeling great!" she said.
Allexis said she is able to breakdance again. A video posted on her mother's Facebook page shows the little girl showing off some of her moves while taking a walk down the streets of Toronto with her mother.
Liz said her daughter's recovery wouldn't have been possible without the care she received in the Toronto hospital.
"Everyone at the hospital was great, and it was so great to connect with other families that were going through the same thing," Liz said. "The doctor and the team were great."
Alexis said while she missed home, she also missed being able to eat like a kid again. She said she couldn't wait to eat a home-cooked meal.
"I want a burger with meat on it, and a salad, a little bit of bacon and tomato and ketchup, mayonnaise and pickles."