Want to send special thanks to Deanna’s donor and donor family. On February 26, 2014, Deanna received her call, her call of the gift of life. Deanna underwent an eight hour liver transplant surgery on February 27, 2014. Her small body recovered so well, our family and friends are truly thankful for all the support from the very beginning of time during this journey. Our goal is to spread awareness about Deanna’s condition and also share with others the importance of organ donation.
***Deanna’s Story***
Our precious baby daughter, Deanna Lynn Anderson was born on July 24. The doctor told us “she is perfect!” Unfortunately, when she was 3 months old Deanna was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia, a life-threatening liver disease. She is now at Jackson Memorial Hospital waiting for a life-saving liver transplant.
Baby Deanna has already been though surgery and numerous medical procedures. She is mostly confined to her crib and is learning to adjust to new formula, rolling over (even with the IV attached to her arm) and smiling all the time. She loves people and loves to be read to. Her favorite book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? Baby Deanna sees a brighter future…she sees a new liver in her future…god willing.
Costs for the transplant and related expenses are astronomical. Even with insurance, there will be expenses that must be paid out of pocket. Some of these are co-pays, deductibles, our travel to and from the hospital and Deanna will be on a life-time of expensive anti-rejection medications. This puts us up against a challenge we cannot meet alone and desperately need your help.
To ease this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in Deanna’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Southeast Liver Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider making a contribution to help our sweet little girl get well.
On behalf of Deanna’s big brothers Matthew (12) Christian (17) and ourselves, we thank you so much for any help you can give.
Heidi and Eric Anderson
954-882-4930
[email protected]
Updates (30)
April 19, 2017
Our family is blessed to share that next week, on April 21st – we will meet our Donor Family. I am excited, nervous, happy, sad…almost the same feeling to when we received the call that Deanna’s gift of life arrived…please keep our Donor’s family in prayer and positive thought – for the loss of Kenneth, at only 23 years old…he was expected to complete graduate school 2 months after he passed away. Deanna will turn 4 in July…all this is because of Kenneth, and his choice to be an organ donor. #donatelife
November 18, 2016
Deanna is very excited about visiting Disney World in February. We had to reschedule due to her fighting the adenovirus 🙁 Looks like we will be there the week she celebrates her 3rd transplant anniversary!
Please read the news article about sweet Deanna being granted her wish!
Love,
Heidi
November 16, 2016
11 days inpatient due to adenovirus. Deanna is such a trooper! She smiled throughout her hospitalization…and made new friends:). We’re glad to be home. Praying for good health…our make a wish trip was rescheduled for February…we will celebrate her 3rd transplant anniversary in Disney! Dear Santa, our wish this year and next is to be healthy …
October 11, 2016
Our big surprise…well…
this time next month, Deanna & our family will be in Orlando, Florida…to see all of Deanna’s favorite princesses! MAKE-A-WISH is grating little Deanna’s wish to go to Disney World to meet Princess Elsa – her favorite. Our family is completely excited and humbled for this amazing invitation.
Deanna deserves so much happiness – and we’re so thankful for everyone’s kindness and generosity…from day ONE! Thank you.
We still are on 3 medications per day. Deanna is attending school full-time; and we pray she stays well enough to stay in school Monday through Friday…she loves school!
Transplant is about celebrating the everyday accomplishments and not letting the small setbacks take away your smile!
Deanna while inpatient this last hospitalization with viral pneumonia, she was all smiles! I must say, since day one, she has smiled so big! Her smile is what motivates us everyday. I can’t wait till we enter the park at Disney and see her expression…I actually will cry (tissues will be ready for MOM)…seeing her happy is my biggest joy….love, Heidi
October 5, 2016
Deanna went back to school today. We are praying she stays well.
We have big news coming soon! Deanna can’t wait to share the news with you all. Love, Heidi & Family
September 27, 2016
Deanna had a rough time last week. 2 viruses and viral pneumonia. She was inpatient for 3 days to make sure she was covered to prevent anything bacteria. Deanna perked back up after 24 hours inpatient. She is home now and resting. She will return to school this Wednesday. She missed dance class this past Saturday, and was super sad about that. I know she’ll be excited to return to dance this weekend!
Thanks for your continued support.
Heidi
June 21, 2016
Deanna turns 3 years old on 7/24/16 🙂 We are starting to plan her birthday party. Icing Smiles is providing a free dream cake for the BIG 3 PARTY 🙂 We’re excited.
We will be collecting board games for HOLTZ Childrens’s Hospital in honor of Deanna. If you would like to contribute a board game, please email me at [email protected]
Deanna is doing well. She is having some problems with her ears; but thankfully, the tubes she has are doing their job!
Heidi
May 7, 2016
Read the latest about Deanna: www.floridatrend.com
March 24, 2016
Yesterday, we had the opportunity to meet our patient fundraising rep, Amy, from HelpHOPELive. I am thrilled to share this because Deanna was just extermely happy to meet Amy. Amy has assisted us with the coordination of all fundraisers since day one! I will post a pic later today!
March 1, 2016
Deanna celebrated 2 years post liver transplant this past Saturday. Want to thank you all for your support and love. Deanna is the sunshine in our lives…everyday I look at her and think, wow, little girl, you are a miracle. And, to think, her Organ Donor made this possible…we think about him and his family often…one day, we hope to meet them,.
February 18, 2016
This past weekend, we held a bake sale in honor of Deanna! It was an amazing day! So many came out to support Deanna and our family. We are truly grateful for the support from everyone! Check out the photos from the day.
We also collected toys which will be deliverd to Holtz Children’s on Deanna’s 2nd transplant anniversary. If you would like to support this cause, you can mail an unwrapped toy to:
634 S.W 11 Street Hallandale Beach FL 33009.
Thanks & MUCH LOVE!
Heidi
February 18, 2016
This upcoming Saturday, we will be hosting a bake sale in honor of Deanna! Please join us this Saturday, from 10 AM to 3 PM – we will have lots of yummy pieces! Check out Deanna’s 2 year post transplant photos in her photo album!
Also, we will have a collection box of toys – these toys will be delivered to Holtz Children’s on Deanna’s 2nd year transplant anniversary, 2/27/16 — the kids on the transplant floor deserve the world <3
February 4, 2016
We are having trouble with eczema – it is basically everywhere on her body 🙁 I am hoping to find the right doctor for this soon….pray for Deanna.
February 1, 2016
Happy Friday Everyone! Deanna was admitted last Sunday, and on Monday a scope was done. Deanna has tested EBV and she has run fevers which are not really pointed towards anything specific; so, her team wanted to make sure all looked okay everywhere. So far, all biopsies look clear 🙂 We are pleased to see our daughter grow up with so much life. She will celebrate 2 years post-transplant next month on 2-27-16. As her Mother, I cannot tell you enough how much I love her, how grateful I am that her person signed up to be an organ donor at one point in their life…we are forever thankful and will pay it forward as long as we can.
Love,
Heidi
December 22, 2015
Happy Holidays to Everyone! We are getting pretty excited about Christmas, almost here! Deanna is doing well. I haven’t updated in a while…uneventful is good 🙂
Deanna did have ear tubes put in this week. She is recovering well and hearing now 🙂 Her labs are looking good too. She will be scoped in January, due to EBV.
We wish you all a beautiful holiday week and a happy new year!
Love, Heidi & Fam
July 27, 2015
Deanna celebrated her 2nd birthday this past Friday. We are truly thankful to see our sweet girl celebrate milestones. Our heart is continously with Deanna’s Donor and their family. Deanna wants to thank you all for being extremely supportive since day one. We are beyond blessed to have you all on our side through her journey.
Love,
Heidi
May 31, 2015
Deanna was admitted last Sunday for abnormal breathing. Prior to that, she underwent an endoscopy due to symptoms of coughing, gagging, etc. Since then, she has undergone CT scans, inserted PICC line; for Deanna has tested positive for EBV. In addition, Deanna is scheduled for surgery this Wednesday at 6 AM for a tonsil and adenoid removal. Deanna’s CT scans show no abnormalities. Also, Deanna has to be intubated every time she has a procedure; for Deanna has moderate sleep apnea. We are praying that once her tonsils and adenoids are removed, her snoring and breathing pauses while sleeping will disappear.
Thank you for your positive thoughts, prayers, and support.
Heidi
March 4, 2015
We want to say thank you all for you support over the last year – Deanna celebrated her 1st gift of life anniversary last week, 2/27/15. This past Sunday, our immediate friends and family joined together and enjoyed a fun-filled day at a local park…what a great day! We are truly blessed to have so many in our lives, near and far. Thank you all so much.
Yesterday, Deanna began coughing a bit, so I took her to see the pediatrician. D has a bad ear infection…she had not pulled on her ear once! She is so strong—doesn’t even show pain, somewhat scary, yet, she has been through so much. You all have been our backbone to say the least. Our support system has made us happy; you all keep us balanced. Deanna is truly blessed…we look forward to celebrating more and more milestones with each of you <3 Love, Heidi, Eric, Christian, Matthew, & Deanna 🙂
January 28, 2015
This past Thursday evening, Deanna ran a high fever of 102.5. She was admitted early Friday AM and her transplant team began evaluating her for every possibility. Thankfully, we have the best team on earth! Deanna was poked, scanned, poked again…but, her doctors wanted to truly figure out what the real culprit was of the “fever”.
Deanna’s gift of life is a precious gift, a fever, a cold, any sort virus can truly impact her new liver. We are fortunate to have an amazing medical team on our side. We were inpatient for 3.5 days…we are back home, and she is happy to be with her brothers, dolls and most importantly, in her own crib.
January 3, 2015
It has been a while since we last updated. Deanna was doing labs weekly for quite a while due to her CMV tests showing positive. Recently, her CMV showed negative; she now goes for labs bi-weekly.
Deanna is having trouble with her nasal passage – sounds nasal-like at times, snores often while sleeping; ENT saw her about 1 week ago…possibly Deanna has enlarged adenoids. If the adenoids are too big, surgery may be necessary.
Overall, our princess is ready for Christmas. We are truly blessed to be home this year—thanks to everyone who has supported us from the beginning, our baby girl is alive today….we thank you so much for your continued love.
Love, Heidi & Family
August 5, 2014
Deanna visited her transplant team last week. She has tested positive for CMV, which is a virus; it can become a major problem for a baby like Deanna, so her team is watching her closely. She will remain on several medications long-term. Deanna will be visiting labs on a bi-weekly basis. Thank you for your blessings and positive vibes.
August 5, 2014
Deanna celebrated her 1st birthday at home with her family on 7/24/14. Deanna loved her smash cake and cupcake. She also had a great time opening her birthday gifts (I think we enjoyed this part too). May God continue to watch over Deanna…thank you for your continued support.
July 10, 2014
Miss Deanna turns 1 year old on July 24th!! We are very blessed to be home and this upcoming occasion will most certainly bring a great deal of happiness to our family. We are beyond thankful for the amazing support received from everyone <3. Deanna now has labs done weekly. She is crawling and standing with support. Deanna loves bath time and watching Baby First TV. We just celebrated her first 4th of July---she loved the firework show outside of our home. Also, we just celebrated her Daddy's birthday...he truly meant what he said when we asked him "what do you want for your birthday?" He replied "I already have it...my baby girl is smiling and home." Deanna is on several medications. We continue to take her to clinic once every 3 weeks. Overall, Deanna is a warrior and continues to show us the importance behind staying strong and never giving up!
May 10, 2014
It has been a while since we last updated our page here.
Since discharge after transplant, Deanna went home, and has since returned back to the hospital ONCE. She had her central line removed as well as a blood transfusion.
Deanna continues to have weekly labs done; her liver numbers were on the rise last week; however, they came down, so her transplant team decided not to admit her. Overall, Deanna is doing good.
She returns Monday for weekly labs, then has repeats if needed. Her clinic appointments are every 3 weeks now. Additionally, Deanna is on roughly 10 medications.
She has several fundraisers going on at this time; and we are hoping to see more organized in the near future—please follow Deanna at Deanna’s Journey on Facebook.
March 15, 2014
Deanna was moved to the regular floor this morning at 4 AM. We are thrilled about her progress. Thank you for your continued support.
March 7, 2014
Deanna received her gift of life at 1 AM on 2/27. Deanna is presently in the PICU at Jackson. Our family is beyond thankful for everyone’s support and kindness throughout this journey.
February 12, 2014
Deanna returned to Jackson Memorial in Miami after 2 days of being home…looks like Deanna will remain at the hospital until transplant.
January 27, 2014
See the latest news story on Deanna
www.wsvn.com
January 25, 2014
Happy 6 month birthday, Deanna!!!
January 25, 2014
Deanna will be coming home tmrw!!! We’ll be waiting patiently for that special call that her gift of life has arrived. May we pray that Deanna stays strong as ever while at home as she awaits her organ…as her Mom, I am just so thankful for the support given to us during this time in our lives…it is something that cannot be put into words…yet, 2 strong words, thank you. *tears*
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Guestbook
May 7, 2016
BEAUTIFUL LIL ANGEL KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!! YOUVE GOT GOD IN YOUR CORNER WITH HIM BY YOUR SIDE YOU GOT THIS!!!!!
TINA
January 12, 2016
Princess Deanna is my favorite volunteer and she is a special person to the LAORA family. Wishing her always the best and good health.
Cynthia Smith
February 27, 2014
my heart and prayers goes out to baby D. Remember God know all things .continue to keep a positive attitude and request all your needs in FAITH ....
Evelyn Melendez
February 21, 2014
May god hear your Prayers and Deanna get her liver and live happy and totaly healthy sending angels her way with hugs and kisses
Barbara Hirnyk
February 20, 2014
Heidi Eric and baby Deanna I pray for you everyday. I hope that baby D gets her liver soon. Love you Kemyana
kemyana young perfect hair company
February 13, 2014
Dear Heidi, Eric and Deanna, I pray that Deanna gets her transplant in time . She is a fighter as I know you are Heidi.
Lynn Bruni
February 14, 2014
Every dollar can make a difference. I pray more people will donate to baby Deanna's fund. Myself, family & friends continue to pray for Deanna & the family.
Lizette "Lisa" Vasquez & Family
February 14, 2014
Come out to Marjory Stoneman Douglas in Parkland from 11-3 to watch us #dodgeballfordeanna. Admission is $3 and ALL proceeds will go to Deanna. See you there to help support this amazing little girl and her family!!!
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Student Government
February 14, 2014
I will do my best to help you in any way that I possibly can; I will donate everything that I have at my disposal to help her live just another day, if that's all that fortune will give her. Cherish every excrutiatingly painful moment with you lovely daughter, because I want to help her live perfectly. The Atheist in me will pray all the harder because of his blindness, because he can see the Truth. A=Z
YHWH
January 27, 2014
Sounds exactly like my son's transplant journey... late diagnosis of BA and liver failure by five months. I am praying for Deanna and your whole family. A living-related donor (me) was ultimately our only option to save his life... and we will be celebrating his 13th transplant anniversary this April. Thought I'd pass along this info in case this could be an option for your family as well. Thoughts & prayers!!!
Debbi Smith
January 27, 2014
Heidi, I want to thank you for keeping everyone up to date on what's going on with Deanna. You are very strong, loving And courageous and that is exactly what your baby needs from you. Know that she is in my thoughts and prayers every day. GOD will find her a liver and get her back home to you. Lots of love from Boston. I can't wait to meet her.
<3 jence
January 26, 2014
I pray for your child, as I had a child (Stephanie) with the same diagnosis 45 years ago in Michigan. We are in South Florida and happened to see your story on Channel & news. Currently live in SC. Your daughter is so beautiful, I think of her a lot as it brings back ancient memories for me. I can honestly tell you I know what you are going through. She is in our daily prayers and I wish you and your family well, you have so many more options today then I did. God Bless!
Thomas S. Lawler
January 26, 2014
Just made a donation, hope a lot of people donate towards this cause and help baby Deanna to a speedy recovery. Antoinette
Antoinette
January 26, 2014
I heard of Baby Deanna through a friend of mine, Candace, whom I worked with for many years. I pray for the speedy recovery of your precious "Angel". We are at least fortunate here in Canada that the bulk of costs associated with medical costs are covered.
Dolores Cuson
January 26, 2014
Hello, I only know about Deanna via my high school friend Claudette, all I can say is that you really can't put a price on a child's head, but in this case you really can, I just donated $100. it's not much, but it's what I could give. Please give your baby girl a big cold Canadian kiss for me, and I wish you all the luck in the world. Cookie from Montreal, Quebec.
Therese Demers
January 26, 2014
I hope she is doing better. I am praying for her and your family.
Brandee H.
January 26, 2014
God please lay your almighty hand on this child , and give her a long natural life .praying for her and her family's ...
Lawrence matos , husband of Aimee jones- matos
January 26, 2014
Sweet Baby D, you are in our thoughts and prayers daily. I can't wait to officially meet you, you are such an inspiration to us all. If I am having a bad day, I just look at your sweet smile, and it all goes away. God Bless you!
Jason, Laura, Rachel, and Jimmy Hambley
January 27, 2014
So glad We were able to visit with you last week. I enjoyed holding you and reading to you. It amazed me how attentive you were during the story reading. It was almost as though you knew what I was about to say. We promise to come visit again soon. Your cousins miss and love you so much! They are already asking when we are returning. Love and prayers for you Deanna.
Aunt Missy
January 27, 2014
Love you Deanna, can't wait to see you!
Big Brother Christian
January 27, 2014
Hi, I don't know your beautiful baby girl. I have seen a few posts Carol posted. My youngest was born Aug 10 . Wishing her all the best!!
Michal
January 27, 2014
Love you chilindrina, Stay strong
Marta, Jack and Kike
January 27, 2014
God bless you on this journey! I can send prayers and share your story and your page!
Dottie Dantzler
January 27, 2014
It has become part of my daily life to check your page and see how you are. You are an amazing little girl who is a teacher to all of us. I know that you will remain stong and a fighter because you have a wonderful strong family in your corner. You are always in my thoughts.
Amanda G.
January 27, 2014
On behalf of us at Dreamweavercharity.org may GOD continue to Bless Deanna and your Family during these difficult times. With love, faith and prayer we will get through this.
Shawn Leiter, Jennifer Shapiro and Shellie Price DaCosta
January 27, 2014
God bless you and your family!! .
Charo
January 27, 2014
Praying and thinking of your baby girl!
Carolina
January 27, 2014
Best Thoughts Your Way...
rob
January 27, 2014
Deanna, sweet girl, I love you so much. Today, your brother, Matt, and I were talking about super powers. He asked me what super power I would want to hold...I told him "I would like the super power to heal those who are ill." I wish I could touch you on your head and make all this pain go away...then, I realize that you my daughter are so strong and with your strength, you will fight Biliary Atresia...so the reality is, you have the super power. I love you with all of my heart from here to the end of the universe. Stay strong forever...I will always be here for you...no matter what.
Love, Mommy
January 27, 2014
May The Lord give you and your family strength to grow and overcome this obstacle of your lil life.
Dedsy L. Henry
Mail a Check
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Deanna Anderson
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087

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