Trey’s Transplant Story
Five Years After My Liver Transplant: What I Wish I Knew and What I Want Other Kids to Know
by Trey Kearns
Five years ago, when I was just 10 years old, I had a liver transplant that changed my life. At the time, I didn’t really understand how big of a deal it was. I just knew that I was sick, really tired all the time, and that the doctors said I needed a new liver to stay alive. I remember being scared, confused, and honestly a little angry that I had to go through something so serious while most kids I knew were just worried about homework or baseball practice.
Now, at 15, I’ve had some time to think about everything I’ve been through. If you’re a kid about to have a transplant, or the parent of one, I want to share what I wish I’d known then—and what I’ve learned since.
1. It’s okay to be scared—and it’s okay to ask questions.
My parents were supportive and helped me to understand how normal it was to be scared. I didn’t know how to talk about what I was feeling, but they encouraged me to talk to them, to counselors at school, and even to my doctors about what I was nervous about. Not knowing and not asking questions, will only make things worse. If you’re about to have a transplant, know this: you’re allowed to be scared, confused, or even mad. Talk to your parents, your doctors, or a counselor. Ask every question you have, even the ones that feel weird or dumb. Understanding what’s happening helps take some of the fear away.
2. Recovery takes time—but things will get better.
After my surgery, I thought I’d bounce back right away. I didn’t. I felt weak, everything hurt, and I was in and out of the hospital for check-ups and blood work all the time. And even worse, I couldn’t play the sports I loved and was used to participating in every day. I hated it. But slowly, things started to get better. I got stronger. I started going to school again, hanging out with friends, and doing things I loved. It took time and patience (which I didn’t always have), but life started to feel normal again.
3. You will be different—and that’s okay.
Having a transplant doesn’t just change your body—it changes your life. I take medicine every day to keep my liver healthy. I go to more doctor appointments than my friends do. I have a scar that I used to be embarrassed about. But over time, I realized that being “different” isn’t a bad thing. This experience made me stronger, more grateful, and way more aware of how amazing the human body is. Your story is unique, and it’s something to be proud of. Even better, my scar is pretty cool, and I don’t mind showing it off and telling people my story.
4. You’re not alone.
When I was in the hospital, I felt like the only kid in the world going through this. But I wasn’t—and neither are you. There are other kids out there who’ve had transplants, who know exactly what it’s like to miss birthday parties because you’re in recovery or to take medicine every day for the rest of your life. Find friends you can talk to or meet others who have been through the same as you. Hearing from people who’ve been through it can make a huge difference.
5. Be kind to yourself.
This one’s big. I used to get frustrated with myself when I got tired easily, or when I couldn’t keep up with my friends. But now I know my body has been through a lot, and it deserves patience and care. If you need rest, rest. If you feel sad, talk to someone. Celebrate the wins, even the little ones—like walking a little farther, or going a whole month without getting blood work.
Five years later, I’m healthy, I’m in high school, and I’m doing things I once wasn’t sure I’d be able to do again. I still have tough days, but I’ve learned that surviving something like a liver transplant doesn’t just make you lucky—it makes you strong, too.
To any kid out there waiting for their transplant: you’ve got this. It’s going to be a tough road, but you’re not walking it alone—and there’s a whole life waiting for you on the other side.
