Colorado Nurse Donates Part of Liver to Her Toddler Patient

Image Source: Children's Hospital Colorado via Facebook

Every day, Kayla McCarthy cares for children at their most vulnerable. As a nurse at Children’s Hospital Colorado, she works with pediatric patients awaiting or recovering from organ transplants. 

But earlier this year, McCarthy took her commitment a step further by becoming a living liver donor herself.

A Calling Rooted in Compassion

McCarthy didn’t have a specific recipient in mind when she registered through UCHealth’s living donation program, according to a 9News Report. She just knew she wanted to help.

“There’s somebody who's in need of this liver to be able to thrive,” she said. “If I have the ability to help, then I would like to.”

Her wish was granted when she was matched with a toddler, a patient at the very hospital where she worked.

Two Surgeries, Two Hospitals, One Shared Goal

In May 2024, the pediatric patient underwent surgery at Children’s Hospital Colorado. McCarthy’s operation took place across the street at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital.

Her liver donation was performed robotically—a technique that allowed for:

• A shorter hospital stay (just two nights)
• Quicker return to work (within 2.5 weeks)
• Early resumption of activity (walking and hiking within 7–10 days)

@cutransplantcenter Kayla, a nurse at our partner’s Children’s Hospital Colorado, selflessly donated a piece of her liver to a child she had never met!  She shares her inspiring story about what motivated her to become a non-directed donor and her experiences throughout the living liver donation journey. If you’re interested in learning more about living liver donation, please visit our website! #livingliverdonor #robotic #donatelife #colorado #fyp ♬ original sound - CU Transplant Center

Healing on Both Sides

Livers are remarkable organs. They regenerate to their original size within months of donation, and McCarthy has recovered fully.

While she hasn’t met the recipient’s family in person, they’ve exchanged letters. McCarthy says she’s open to a relationship if the family chooses, but she’s content knowing she helped save a life.

April 11 marked Living Organ Donor Day in Colorado. For McCarthy, it was a moment to reflect and advocate. She hopes her experience encourages others to consider living organ donation as a way to make a meaningful difference.

“Any time that anybody can make an action that just reflects what they care about, it doesn’t compare. It feels really good.”

🤔What did you think about Kayla’s story? Share your comments below!