Young Florida Patient Finds Hope and a Lifeline

At 23, Ikeba Diah was just beginning to embrace adulthood. Having recently moved from Jamaica to Florida, he was full of hopes and dreams when devastating news shattered his world: his liver was failing and he needed a liver transplant immediately. The cause was acute liver failure from regularly consuming too much acetaminophen.

Ikeba was shocked and overwhelmed by the diagnosis. The absence of his family made it even harder. His mother, still in Jamaica, was unable to obtain a VISA to be with him, and his father had unexpectedly passed away the year before.

In October 2023, days after receiving his diagnosis, Ikeba received a lifesaving liver transplant. His care was managed by hepatologist Xaralambos Zervos, DO, Associate Director, Abdominal Transplant Institute at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital.

Ikeba spent several months in the hospital, needing multiple surgeries and hemodialysis because of kidney failure. Unable to work, he faced eviction and mounting medical bills, creating stress that threatened his recovery. Despite these hurdles, he found hope and support in his dedicated transplant team at Weston Hospital.

"Transplants serve a small part of our community, but they play a lifesaving role during dire circumstances," says Dr. Zervos. "Ikeba's story is a testament to this innovation. He is now a part of our Cleveland Clinic family.”

Ikeba's care coordinator arranged for him to receive assistance from Weston Hospital’s Transplant Patient Support and Education program, which recently received a generous gift from The Willits Foundation. This lifeline provided essential financial support for bills, medications, groceries and other needs, allowing Ikeba to focus on his recovery and rebuild his life.

“Unfortunately, Ikeba’s loss of employment and financial jeopardy is common due to the prolonged extent of illness,” says Dr. Zervos. “This is where we go beyond being just healthcare providers and truly step in as any good family would when a loved one needs assistance. We are fortunate to have generous philanthropy supporters that allow us to help get families fully back on their feet.”

With the recent funding from The Willits Foundation, the Transplant Patient Support and Education program has now assisted approximately 100 families with necessities like pre- and post-liver and kidney medications, mortgage assistance, food, gas and pre-transplant dental work.

In addition to providing financial support, The Willits Foundation's generosity has educated more than 60 patients through training with the Florida Organ Transplant Association. The funding also ensures that each discharged patient receives a wellness bag containing educational materials to promote better health outcomes and provide confidence in managing their care.

“I plan to live a long life,” says Ikeba. “I wouldn’t be here today without the Transplant fund’s support for my post-transplant care. I’m eternally grateful to have the team at Cleveland Clinic in my corner.”

Your gift to the Transplant Patient Support and Education program can bring hope and transform lives. Make a lifesaving impact today.