New Lease On Life

By Will Frampton

May 8, 2004

Amber Hutson has had a long history of liver and pancreas problems, problems that would have eventually proved fatal had she not received organ transplants.

Just a few days ago, the 13 year-old's health was still in grave danger.

But then, her mother Norma got a phone call that changed everythng.

"My phone rang, and they said 'Norma, this is transplant,'" said Norma Hutson. "'We've got an organ, we've got a liver and a pancreas.'"

But Norma was cautiously optimistic. It was the third time she'd received such a call. The first two times, the organ donor's blood type did not match with Amber's. But this time was different.

By Friday afternoon, the 13 year old from Clinton, Indiana had a new lease on life.

"I think this is a big turning point for Amber, for at least her liver disease and pancreas," said Dr. Michelle Howenstine, Amber's doctor for six years.

"She's got a pancreas, she no longer has to take insulin," said Norma. "She no longer has to take enzymes. She was taking like nine different pills for her liver, she no longer has to take those."

Because Amber is part of the Children's Organ Transplant Association, a large portion of the Hutson's medical bills are taken care of.

And now, Amber Hutson's health is no longer in grave condition.

Norma told us she couldn't have asked for a better mother's day present.

Amber is in stable condition at Riley Children's Hospital, but Norma says her daughter is still in a lot of pain.

Norma told us right now, they're just concentrating on getting Amber out of intensive care.

Copyright © 2004 wthitv.com.

This article posted May 16, 2004.