Boy Urgently Needs 4th Liver; Mother Sends Plea to President

Ronnie DeSillers fought for his life Monday, as doctors sought a fourth donor liver and his mother appealed to President Reagan to help her son again.

The 7-year-old boy, whose need for a replacement liver has attracted national attention since early February, remained under intensive care in Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

“Doctors are saying that his need for a fourth (donor organ) is urgent. It’s needed immediately,” hospital spokeswoman Lynn McMahon said. The boy underwent a third liver transplant last Thursday but was placed back in line for another organ Saturday, when doctors began to fear that liver might not function.

His condition worsened dramatically Sunday night.

Mother at Bedside

The boy is increasingly jaundiced. He opened his eyes occasionally Monday as his mother, Maria, sat by his bed to pray and offer encouragement, according to Jose Castillo, Maria DeSillers’ fiance.

Ronnie’s case became national news when President Reagan heard of his need for a transplant and sent him a letter. Later, after $4,000 the boy’s classmates had collected for his medical bills was stolen, contributions poured in from around the country, including $1,000 from Reagan.

“Ronnie is fighting for his life and is desperately in need of a fourth liver,” Maria DeSillers said in an early-morning telegram to the President.

“Ronnie is not the only child urgently in need of a donor organ . . . but we are asking for your help in raising public awareness of Ronnie’s need and the need of other children,” she said.

“From one Ronnie to another, we request your support,” she said.

A White House spokesman said that Reagan sent a letter later Monday that read, in part:

“Nancy and I are keeping you and Ronnie in our hearts and prayers. We are inspired by his courage during this ordeal. May God’s love strengthen and guide each of you safely through these days.”