Mother Gives Her Son the Gift of a New Life

When Yousef needed a life-saving liver transplant, his mother knew the gift of a new life must come from her.

Yousef had experienced health problems since childhood. At the age of 17, his health deteriorated, and doctors diagnosed him with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, an autoimmune disease that affects the bile ducts inside and outside of the liver.

After a referral to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, doctors informed Yousef’s family that he needed a life-saving liver transplant as soon as possible. The family were anxious at the prospect of waiting for a suitable donor to be found.

Yousef’s mother was adamant that she should be the one to donate a part of her liver to her son.

Tests revealed that Yousef’s mother was a match. As a living donor was the most suitable type of transplant for Yousef, the surgeries went ahead.

Doctors removed a part of Yousef’s mother’s liver and then used this to replace his diseased liver. Both surgeries were extremely long and very complex.

The surgeries were successful and both patients recovered well. Yousef’s new liver is now functioning properly and allowing him to live a full life.

Yousef’s mother says, ‘When my son opened his eyes after surgery, it was one of the most beautiful moments of my life. Doctors say I have given him a new life and it is my proudest achievement.”