On the surface, our relationship is surprising. 

Ahmad was a preschool-age boy living in the United Arab Emirates. I was a fortysomething woman living in America. But we were, and are, connected, thanks to God and Cleveland Clinic. 

Ahmad was terminally ill with a rare disease called PFIC1. He was the recipient of part of my liver, in a surgery performed by Dr. Hashimoto2. From that moment, Ahmad and I were forever linked. 

Initially, a friend led me to add my name to the organ donor list. She became too sick for surgery and I wasn’t able to help her. But I agreed to keep my name on the list, thinking “What’s the difference if I know the person or I don’t know the person?” 

It was the one of most significant decisions I ever made. I thought I was making a sacrifice when I got the call to drive two hours to Cleveland Clinic for the surgery, but what I was giving up I got back tenfold. To know I helped save the life of a young boy is such a blessing. 

When we met later, Ahmad’s mother said, “How can I thank you for this precious gift?” I feel like Ahmad gave me a gift, too. He’s family now. 

 

Many joyful tears were shed when Becky Cable got to meet Ahmad and his mother in person at Cleveland Clinic in 2017. Cable called it one of the most moving moments of her life.

Becky Cable, and a mother, holding her son

Becky Cable, right, with Ahmad and his mother, Aya. | Photo: Cleveland Clinic

Notes

  1. Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis causes bile acids to accumulate in the liver. 
  2. Koji Hashimoto, MD, PhD, is Director of Living Donor Liver Transplantation and Pediatric Liver Transplantation.