Boy With a New Liver Reaches Out for Mother

Ronnie DeSillers was in critical but stable condition with his new liver, doctors said Wednesday, and he squeezed his mother’s fingers in a recovery room decorated with stuffed animals and an autographed photo of President Reagan.

The 7-year-old boy from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who won the support of people nationwide after some of his medical funds were stolen, received the transplanted organ during a 12-hour operation that ended at daybreak.

“The only thing he is doing is grabbing for hands. Whatever he holds onto, you have to kind of pry his fingers open to let go,” his mother, Maria DeSillers, said after visiting him in the intensive care unit of Children’s Hospital.

On a table near his bed were five of his favorite stuffed animals and a framed photograph of Reagan.

Defective Liver Ducts

Ronnie was born with defective liver ducts. His critical but stable condition is considered normal after transplant surgery.

Dr. Carlos Esquivel, a transplant specialist, said the operation was routine with no complications.

“He’s doing beautifully,” Esquivel said. “So far, the liver seems to be working well. It was a perfect fit.”

The 72 hours immediately after surgery will be the most crucial because of the threat that his body’s natural defenses will attack the new organ or that infection will set in, Esquivel said.

In Washington, Dale Petroskey, deputy White House press secretary, said: “The President and Mrs. Reagan are gratified that Ronnie DeSillers appears to be doing well and that the operation went well. He remains in their prayers.”

Ronnie’s original medical fund of $89,000 swelled to about $400,000 from nationwide donations after reports two weeks ago that $4,000 raised by his classmates was stolen. Reagan gave $1,000 and sent an autographed picture.

Ronnie insisted that the President’s picture and his stuffed animals accompany him to the operating room Tuesday night.

“I suggested that we leave the picture back in the room because it might get lost or broken,” Maria DeSillers said. “He said, ‘No, Ronald has to come with me.’ ”