Kyle starts road to recovery after liver transplant with new sister to play with

A three-year-old girl who underwent a life-saving liver transplant operation in King’s College Hospital, London, has returned to her home in Kerry.

However, Kyle O’Donoghue faces a long recovery period, along with continuing chemotherapy, doctors have warned her family.

She and her parents, Declan and Fiona, are settling back into their home at Dromcarbin, Headford, Killarney. The family had all been in London since early September.

Fiona also gave birth to a second daughter while in London.

Kyle, who had a malignant liver tumour that required a full transplant, will continue receiving chemotherapy at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin.

The local community rallied around the family and supported several fundraising events to assist them with expenses.

“The family had been in London since September and it’s the first time they’ve been back since then. They’re all happy to be home,” said close friend Donal O’Doherty, who was also among the chief organisers of the fundraising.

“The liver was transplanted successfully but there’s a long journey ahead in terms of recovery, the doctors say.

“It’s lovely to see Kyle back home and everyone is hoping she’ll return to normal as soon as possible.”

Mr O’Doherty said the fundraising target of €30,000 had been reached and there was more money to come in.

“People have been unbelievably generous and it’s heartening to see so much concern for Kyle, whose plight has touched so many,” he said.

Events organised included mountain climbs, concerts, and a sponsored walk.

Kyle’s condition, known as hepatoblastoma, is a very rare liver tumour, usually found in children up to three years of age.

It accounts for just over 1% of all children’s cancers, according to the Society for Translational Oncology in the US.

Kyle’s tumour was described as very aggressive and covered her entire liver.