BALCA Founder

Wanyika Karanja

Our Journey with Biliary Atresia

After waiting many years to conceive, the day I learned I was becoming a mother was one of the happiest moments of my life. Holding my baby girl, Briella, felt like a dream come true. But soon, that joy was clouded by the unexpected.

At first, everything seemed normal, until I noticed her skin and eyes turning yellow. Doctors reassured us it was just newborn jaundice, but the signs never went away. After numerous hospital visits, we finally received a diagnosis I had never heard before: biliary atresia.

The news was overwhelming. I felt scared, confused, and helpless as we faced hospital stays, endless tests, and medications. Watching my child struggle was heartbreaking—but in the process, I discovered a strength I never knew I had.

One of the biggest challenges I came to realize is aftercare. Many families travel abroad for surgeries, but when they return home, they find very little follow-up support. Yet this is the most critical phase in a child’s recovery. That gap is one of the main reasons I founded Biliary Atresia and Liver Care Africa (BALCA)—to raise awareness, and more importantly, to advocate for proper aftercare and support systems for children living with biliary atresia and liver disease in Africa.

Our story is still unfolding, but my hope is that by sharing our journey, we can shine a light on biliary atresia and give our children a real chance at life.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

— Jeremiah 29:11

Baby Briella’s Story

Meet Baby Briella W. Mkala, a little warrior born on July 25, 2023 a long-awaited blessing after years of hoping and visiting hospitals. Her arrival filled her family with immense joy and love.

But just two days after birth at Coptic Hospital, her parents noticed something troubling: her eyes looked yellow. Concerned, they raised it with the pediatrician, and Briella was placed under UV light for treatment. By day four, she was discharged, and the family went home, hoping for the best.

Weeks passed, and at four weeks old, Briella’s yellowing eyes, hands, and mouth deepened, and she wasn’t gaining weight. Despite being told to place her in sunlight, nothing improved. At six weeks, the family sought further help at Agakhan Hospital, where a series of tests — including a HIDA scan — revealed the heartbreaking diagnosis: Biliary Atresia.

She was urgently referred to Kijabe Hospital, where on October 1, she was admitted, and the next day, her delicate Kasai surgery was performed. After eight long hours in surgery and days in the ICU/HDU, Baby Briella began to show signs of improvement, and after 18 days, she was discharged. For a while, things looked hopeful.

But by December, follow-up tests showed rising bilirubin levels. The doctors advised continuing medication and observing. By March, despite the family’s tireless efforts, Briella’s bilirubin had soared, and her liver function was declining. The heartbreaking news came: a liver transplant was now her only option.

Referred to Aga Khan Hospital under the care of Dr. Waceke Ng’ang’a, Briella’s medications were adjusted, and the family hoped for improvement. Yet by July, after multiple tests including MRI scans and liver function assessments, the results were devastating — bile buildup had severely damaged her liver, and cirrhosis was present. The doctors made it clear: a liver transplant was urgently needed to save her life.

The family turned to Artemis Hospital, where the life-saving transplant was arranged. In a beautiful and selfless act, Briella’s father became her liver donor. After a grueling 17-hour surgery, the transplant was successful! Briella stayed in the hospital for over a month to recover and receive specialized care. Today, she is back home with her family, continuing her aftercare journey with regular medical follow-ups, medications, and lots of love.

Briella’s story is one of love, courage, and resilience. Her family’s unwavering dedication reminds us why raising awareness, offering support, and advocating for early detection of biliary atresia is so critical. Baby Briella is not just a patient, she is a fighter, a light, and a symbol of hope for families facing this rare disease.

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Carol Harris

Mom

As a parent of a child with biliary atresia, we are here to walk with you every step of the way!