Kieran Cooper, a 25-year-old from Cheshire, England, is raising awareness about biliary atresia after a dramatic health episode led to a life-saving liver transplant. Born with this rare condition, Kieran underwent his first liver transplant at just 11 months old. Although he enjoyed good health for many years, complications began to arise in 2014, eventually leading to his placement on the transplant waiting list in 2023.
In January 2026, Kieran’s condition took a severe turn. He awoke to find his skin had turned a vivid yellow, a result of severe jaundice caused by a build-up of bilirubin. His family rushed him to Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he spent five weeks receiving intensive care.
On February 28, Kieran underwent a second liver transplant. Remarkably, his skin returned to its normal color almost immediately after the operation. Despite the successful surgery, the recovery process has been challenging. Kieran had to relearn how to walk and now attends regular hospital appointments every six weeks, while taking lifelong anti-rejection medication.
Kieran hopes that by sharing his story, he can increase awareness of biliary atresia and the critical importance of organ donation. He describes his journey as a harrowing experience, saying he has “been to hell and back” and wishes to spare others from a similar ordeal.
