POWHATAN, Va. (WWBT) - Laughs fill the living room as Brian Walls and his granddaughter, Makaela Hayes, reminisce about their memories together on the couch, a moment providing peace during a time of healing.
Brian Walls and Makaela Hayes(Source; WWBT | WWBT)
“I started getting ill,” said Walls. “No one could really figure out, the doctors couldn’t really figure out what was going on with me.”
Over two years ago, Walls was diagnosed with NASH, a form of liver disease, and needed a liver transplant.
“I got on the list for a transplant, and I was on that for a couple of years and nothing ever came about with it,” he said.
Brian Walls(Source; WWBT | WWBT)
In December, Walls’ health quickly went downhill while he fought for his life in the hospital. Little did Walls know a donor was on standby, ready to save his life.
The perfect match turned out to be his 25-year-old granddaughter, Makaela.
“I didn’t have to think much of it, it was instinctual I just knew it was meant to be,” Hayes said. “It was a blessing, a miracle, something that no one could’ve ever expected.”
Makaela Hayes(Source; WWBT | WWBT)
On December 23, Hayes donated a portion of her liver to her grandfather, which turned out to be a Christmas miracle.
“It was just an instant change in my life,” Walls said. “God’s blessed me and the family that has looked out for me.”
Brian Walls received a liver transplant from his granddaughter, Makaela.(Source; Makaela Hayes | Makaela Hayes)
The outcome meant everything to Hayes, coming one year after a heartbreaking loss for the family.
“One year before the surgery was when my, not stepdad, but second dad passed away from cancer,” Hayes said. “It means more than just saving someone’s life.”
As Walls recovers, he encourages everyone to see if they could be a living donor to give the gift of life.
“You never know when someone is in need and can’t get a transplant, either liver, kidney, or whatever the case may be,” he said.
