2017 Tyler Ray Zapotocky

40_tyler-rey-zapotocky_southwest-transplant-allianceTYLER RAY ZAPOTOCKY

Organ Donor

Dallas, TX

Donated on 11/5/2014

at  Clements University Medical Center

Honored by organ.org

In June 2014, the Zapotocky’s had an ultrasound appointment. Whitney and Adam were informed that the ultrasound showed that their baby was not developing kidneys. Without kidneys, there is no amniotic fluid, and without amniotic fluid, the lungs would not fully develop. It was a fatal diagnosis. The condition is called renal agenesis, better known as Potter Syndrome. Tyler Ray Zapotocky was born Nov. 5, 2014. He lived for 32 minutes. 2.4 billion liver cells were saved and will be injected into the liver of a sick child to help that child survive until a liver transplant can be performed. The Zapotockys continue to honor Tyler’s legacy by volunteering their time with Southwest Transplant Alliance whenever they can.

Tyler’s Story

Whitney and Adam’s first pregnancy started with so much happiness. Their parents were going to be grandparents for the first time, and their sisters were thrilled about being aunts. Everyone’s excitement was off the charts.

In June 2014, the Zapotocky’s had an ultrasound appointment. Several family members joined them, excited to find out whether they were having a boy or a girl. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary initially. The sonographer was quiet and was taking several screenshots, then a doctor whom they had never met before asked them if she could speak to them alone. Their hearts sank.

Whitney and Adam were informed that the ultrasound showed that their baby was not developing kidneys. Without kidneys, there is no amniotic fluid, and without amniotic fluid, the lungs would not fully develop. It was a fatal diagnosis. That’s when the Zapotocky’s world came to a stop.  An MRI test the next day confirmed their fears. The condition is called renal agenesis, better known as Potter Syndrome.

Whitney and Adam felt that, if their baby was born alive, it would be an opportunity that shouldn’t be wasted. That, itself, was going to be a miracle. The Zapotocky’s wanted as much good as possible to come from this little life and they became determined to support the legacy their baby would leave behind. They asked about organ donation. No one in their situation had asked about this before, but in a stroke of divine intervention, the Southwest Transplant Alliance had just been approached about a clinical trial involving liver cells.

Tyler Ray Zapotocky was born Nov. 5, 2014. He lived for 32 minutes. Doctors collected more than 2.4 billion liver cells from Tyler. Those cells were saved and will be injected into the liver of a sick child to help that child survive until a liver transplant can be performed. “We know that even though his life was short, Tyler may help save another life,” said Whitney and Adam. The Zapotocky’s were overwhelmed with support, and are forever grateful to everyone who helped them.

For Tyler’s funeral, they requested stuffed animals in lieu of flowers. Just a few days before Christmas, Whitney and Adam donated them to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, Texas in Tyler’s memory.

The Zapotocky’s continue to honor Tyler’s legacy by volunteering their time with Southwest Transplant Alliance whenever they can. Whitney and Adam say, “During our nine-month journey, Tyler made us stronger as a couple, made our extended family stronger, and impacted countless other people. Our hope is that parents hug their kids a little tighter, hold them a little closer, and always remember that the gift of life is precious.”