Reported By Christine Webb
Ava Marks had a blood transfusion more than 20 years ago when she had her first daughter and contracted Hepatitis C.
At age 56, Ava suffered from advanced liver disease.
She wasn't able to make a simple trip to the grocery story because she was not allowed to drive. Instead she relied on friends, neighbors, and family for even the most basic needs.
She even had severe memory loss and just recently was found by her neighbors wandering around her street unaware of where she was.
"It's going to be the start of a new day, new life for me," marks said. "I've waited quite a while for this."
Unlike other organ failures, liver failure can't be treated temporarily with dialysis or medication. Rapid transplants are a patient's only chance at survival.
"There is no other option, said transplant surgeon Thomas Chin. "That's why it's so critical."
Dr. Thomas Chin and the transplant team at Florida Hospital took Ava's diseased liver out and replaced it with a healthy donor liver.
Now Ava is ready to get her life back.
"I can't wait to be with people," she said.
Ava will need follow up treatment.
Right now She is on anti-rejection drugs and will be following up with the transplant team as well.
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