RIP Dr. Morio Kasai

I just found out today that Dr. Kasai passed away on December 8th, 2008. Click here for his obituary Does the name sound familiar? That's because this is the man who pioneered the Kasai procedure that helps babies with BA. I honestly did not know he was still alive, but suddenly learning of his death has hit me a little harder than I expected. It leads me to think of all of the "what ifs" had this man not ever been born, or not ever gone into medicine, or not ever decided to try to help out BA babies. I wonder, also, if he knew the sheer multitude of lives he has touched. Not just BA babies, but their families, their friends, and anyone else who cares to listen to our stories. I certainly hope that he found joy in his life before his passing. So, today is a bit if a sad day for me, but a happy one as well. I got to have a tiny little piece of this man in my life. I am eternally grateful to him for his accomplishments. Without him, Ember may not be here today. She might not have lived long enough to receive her transplant. So, thank you Dr. Morio Kasai. I am sorry that I did not get to say this to you in person, but I think you now know the magnitude of your one action. Please take care of all of our liver babies who did not make it. I hope you have found peace. Know that our family has with your help.