W2C-005 Belfast Telegraph 4-4.txt
Baby Caolan sees in his first birthday Darwin Templeton

This is the day that many thought Belfast double transplant baby Caolan McDonald would never see - his first birthday.

Just weeks ago Caolan was given eight hours to live, as a frantic search was started across Europe for a donor liver.

But the tiny tot - whose name means "fair haired slender lad" - has defied the medics and the odds to survive.

Priority

He has now been taken out of intensive care and is eating and putting on weight.

Caolan's aunt, Eileen, said it was a very happy day for the family, but that the double transplant operation was still a priority.

"We aren't putting too much emphasis on his first birthday - we will celebrate when he gets his operation," said Eileen.

"They are going to have a party on the ward. A lot of children are sick so they will just be having a quiet gathering."

Presents

"But there will be plenty of presents, I can tell you."

Caolan was born this day last year with a rare stomach complaint that claimed his bowel at birth and then destroyed his liver.
Father Brendan said: "We are being allowed to take Caolan out of the hospital today for the first time in three months.
"He is doing great now, but his condition could deteriorate in the blink of an eye.

"Either way we are going to enjoy ourselves today."
