Maddy had a liver transplant

At just 3 days old, Maddy fell into a coma from a rare inherited metabolic disorder called Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I (CPS1), which affects the body’s ability to remove ammonia from the bloodstream. 

This meant managing medications, strict diets and planning to take care of her health during her otherwise normal childhood. 

Things changed quickly during her teenage years and by 25 years-old, Maddy was being admitted to the ICU with serious complications every 6 weeks.  

Maddy knew a liver transplant was necessary, but it was still a shock to get the call – a donor family had given her the most precious of gifts.  

‘I was surprised and didn’t even realise it was the call until I’d hung up the phone,’ she said. 

Maddy had a ‘split liver transplant’, meaning the donor liver was split in two, with the smaller half being given to a child. The transplant was not only critical to her survival, but transformative for her life. 

Maddy has gone from strength to strength, returning to horse riding, getting engaged and undertaking her Bachelor of Nursing degree. She plans to spend her career caring for others, borne out of her own life experiences.  

‘My goal is to join the Royal Flying Doctor Service as a flight nurse, to bring critical care to remote communities across Australia,’ she said.  

‘I also hope to start a family with my partner. Before my transplant, this would have been impossible because of the risk to my health.’ 

‘If I could say anything to my donor’s family, it would be thank you. Their choice at a time that is full of so much grief has given me a second chance and a future I wouldn’t have had otherwise.’ 

‘It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am.’