Khalieghya Dandie-Evans

Type of Donation:             Liver recipient

Age and Location:             Age 17 – Richmond, CA

Transplant Date:               August 6, 2002

Sponsor:                               Honored by Donor Network West

KHALIEGHYA’S STORY

Khalieghya grew up believing it was “normal” to receive a transplant. The 17-year-old was born prematurely and diagnosed with biliary atresia soon after birth. A liver from a four-year-old boy saved her life when she was only six months.

“Being a transplant recipient is all I have known; I thought that everybody got transplants,” says Khalieghya with a bright smile.

However, that smile does not embody all of what she and her family have gone through for her to be alive today. After her transplant, she had to endure many medical tests, hospital visits, surgeries, and treatments.

While Khalieghya does not remember many of the details from her early life, her mom has a vivid memory of nearly losing her child because of her failing liver. She spent months in the hospital watching Khalieghya fight for her life.

“She could be so mad at life given all of her health challenges but she is a fighter and keeps a positive attitude encouraged by it all,” says Ms. Dandie, Khalieghya’s mom.

Khalieghya loves animals and sports, especially softball, lacrosse, volleyball, and basketball. As a little girl, she was shy with a squeaky voice. Today, however, it only takes a moment to discover the confident, resilient young woman with a zest for life that she has become.

“I am very happy to have had my transplant. I have lost friends due to transplant-related complications, so I am definitely grateful,” says Khalieghya.

The year 2020 is super special for Khalieghya. Not only will she be a part of the Rose Parade, she is also graduating from high school with honors. In the meantime, she continues to advocate for organ donation and volunteers with her local police department and community programs focused on mental illness and resources for the homeless. She is also a member of her high school’s Black Student Union.

“We want to shift the perception that some African Americans have about organ donation. We would like to educate families so when they are presented with the option to donate, they think of Khalieghya’s smile and say ‘YES’,” says Ms. Dandie.