Habiba's story
Habiba, who lives in Sparkhill, is living proof of the miracle of organ donation. Born with the rare liver disease, biliary atresia, her liver began to deteriorate when she was five and she has received an incredible four liver transplants.
Fortunately, the last one was a success and although she takes medication and attends appointments to ensure she stays well, Habiba is now a busy and happy 13 year old.
“Habiba was so poorly that we feared she wouldn’t make it,” says her mum Farzana. “Her case was unusual with so many rejections. I have not heard of anyone else having four transplants. To have one transplant is amazing. Organ donation has given Habiba life and transformed ours.
She missed out on so much school when she was little but now she loves school and is doing really well. Her school, the Ark Bolton Academy, are fully aware of her condition and will make little concessions for her health but in reality she just wants to be like everyone else and it’s wonderful for us to see that.
Habiba hasn’t just survived, she has thrived and that’s thanks to the gift of organ donation. I feel really proud that Birmingham could be the first Donor City because this is such an important issue. I never used to think about organ donation but now I feel everyone should think about it and talk about it, particularly members of the Asian community where we traditionally don’t like to talk about these things. If you are prepared to receive an organ to save your child’s life, then surely you should be prepared to give one.”
Alison Taylor, Chief Executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, who have provided Habiba’s family with information and support over the years, commented: “After all she has been through, we are thrilled to see Habiba doing so well and enjoying life. She is living proof of what a wonderful gift organ donation is and illustrates why everyone should share their wishes with their loved ones.”
