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.

Now at 56, Ava suffered from advanced liver disease. She wasn’t able to make a simple trip to the grocery store, because she was not allowed to drive, and had to rely on friends, neighbors and family for even the most basic needs.

She even had severe memory loss, and was recently found by her neighbors wandering around her street, unaware of where she was.

As Florida Hospital celebrates a milestone by completing its 100th liver transplant, Ava said the operation changed her life.

“It’s going to be the start of a new day, new life for me,” Ava 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. That’s why it’s so critical,” said transplant surgeon Dr. Thomas Chin.

Chin, along with the transplant team at Florida Hospital, took out Ava’s diseased liver and replaced it with a healthy donor liver. Now, she said she is ready to get back her life.

“I can’t wait to be with people,” Ava said.

She will need follow-up treatment, but meanwhile, Ava is on anti-rejection drugs, and will follow up with the transplant team.

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