Burlington Infant Westen Hagen Needs Liver Transplant to Survive

Ten-month-old Westen Hagen needs a live liver donor to survive a rare genetic condition, FOX6 News Milwaukee reported.

Westen was diagnosed at six weeks old with Alagille syndrome, a disorder affecting multiple organs, with his liver bearing the most severe impact. His days now involve constant medical treatments and appointments, according to his family.

“Westin is my sister’s miracle baby. He has been a joy,” Ashleigh Zielinski, Westen’s godmother, told FOX6 News Milwaukee.

Zielinski described the daily physical toll the condition takes on the Burlington infant. “We wake up and it’s normal for us. He has to wake up, and it’s hard for him to start his day and to end his day. He doesn’t get to play like other kids do or learn things like other people do,” she said.

To be considered as a live liver donor for Westen, individuals must be between 18 and 59 years old, weigh less than 122 pounds, have a body mass index under 25, carry blood type A or O, and live in Wisconsin, FOX6 News Milwaukee reported.

“A lot of people don’t see the back stuff of him, maybe not sleeping at all, of him on his worst days, but his resilience does not stop him. His smile, him wanting to thrive every day,” Zielinski said.

To support the family, a Westen Strong fundraiser took place on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus in South Milwaukee. The event featured music, bingo, food, prize drawings, and a Westen Wheel of Fortune game.

“It gives us hope to spread the word and let people know to go donate because saving somebody’s life to give them hope and to keep him going on to play and be a kid like other kids are,” Zielinski told FOX6 News Milwaukee.

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