There will be a benefit taco dinner and raffle on February 7th for Lassen High School sophomore Tristan Stevens and his family. The 16 year-old was diagnosed with a rare liver disease – one of only two cases in California and 25 in the world according to event organizers.
Stevens was diagnosed with Urea Cycle Disorder and a unique form of Arginine Deficiency. There is no cure for Urea Cycle Disorder.
His case was diagnosed and has been followed by Doctors at UC Davis and Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital for the past 12 years.
Tristan started having high ammonia levels in December 2012, and has been hospitalized 17 times and care-flighted to Stanford three times with an ‘Ammonia Crisis.’ Each time his levels go too high it can cause brain damage. His latest crisis was on October 31st and he was care-flighted to Stanford where it was determined that the only option was a liver transplant. He was placed on the recipient list November 14th.
On December 10th Tristan’s family received that call they had been waiting for. The Stevens raced to Stanford for his new liver. Surgery was performed on December 11th and took over 8 hours, he was in ICU for five days, and is now recuperating in a regular room on the Pediatric floor.
When discharged he and his family will have to stay in the bay area for 60 to 90 days – if all goes well – but could be as long as 6 months.
The fundraiser will be held Saturday February 7th, from 4:00 to 9:00p.m. at the Susanville Elks Lodge.
Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children 17 and under. Any donations will be appreciated and all proceeds will benefit the Stevens family to defray their out of pocket medical and family expenses.
For additional questions or to make a donation, please contact Jason Moss at (530) 260-8808.
