In a heart-wrenching appeal, Jade Earaker, a mother from Kirkintilloch, has shared the dire situation of her two-year-old son, Zachary Bradford, who faces a grim prognosis without a life-saving double organ transplant. With his third birthday approaching on October 4, Zachary’s condition is deteriorating rapidly, and his family fears that he may not survive to celebrate.
Zachary requires a dual transplant of both a small bowel and liver, a procedure that can only be performed using organs from a donor of similar size. Unfortunately, Zachary’s small stature makes him ineligible for larger adult organs, intensifying the urgency of his situation.
A Battle Against Time and Infection
Earlier this year, Zachary was re-listed for a transplant after receiving a liver transplant in 2023. Despite this, his recovery was marred by a severe infection—sepsis—that inflicted further damage to his new liver. The severity of his condition has led doctors to predict that he has mere weeks left to live, emphasizing the critical need for a suitable donor.
Jade Earaker, 23, and her partner Rhys Bradford, 29, are grappling with the bleak reality of their son’s health crisis. They have been informed that Zachary’s condition is now so critical that he may only have weeks to live. This has prompted them to prepare for the worst while fervently hoping for a donor match.
“We are in a situation where doctors have told us Zachary has weeks, not months,” Jade told the Record. “It’s incredibly tough. All we can do now is pray for a miracle and hope we get that call.”
The family is also in discussions with a children’s hospice to explore palliative care options for Zachary. “This doesn’t mean we’ve given up hope,” Jade explains, “but we need to have these difficult conversations about what lies ahead. We’ve done everything we can to keep him safe, but it feels like every step is a risk.”
The Emotional Toll on the Family
Jade, who also has a one-year-old son, Reuben, has witnessed the harrowing reality of the transplant waiting list. She has attended multiple funerals of other children who were in similar circumstances, an experience she describes as profoundly heartbreaking.
“We’ve been to several funerals of children who were on the same ward as Zachary, some of whom were also waiting for transplants,” Jade said. “It’s devastating to see other families go through this, and nothing can truly prepare you for such loss.”
Despite the gravity of his condition, Zachary remains blissfully unaware of his serious health status. Jade describes him as maintaining his innocent demeanor and cheerful disposition throughout his hospital visits. “He doesn’t know how critical his situation is,” she says. “He’s just a joyful child, smiling and laughing as if everything is normal.”
A Call for Awareness and Action
Jade is now reaching out to other parents, urging them to consider the potential for organ donation should the unthinkable happen. She hopes that by raising awareness, she can encourage families to have conversations about organ donation and the possibility of giving another child a chance at life.
“It’s a difficult and emotional conversation to have, but it’s important,” Jade notes. “We want people to understand that even in the face of tragedy, organ donation can offer hope and a new lease on life for other children in need.”
The Earaker and Bradford families are holding onto hope that a suitable donor will be found soon. The situation remains critical, and the urgency of their plea underscores the desperate need for organ donation awareness.
As Zachary’s family navigates this challenging period, their story serves as a poignant reminder of the life-saving potential of organ donation and the impact it can have on families facing similar crises. For now, they wait with bated breath, hoping for a miracle that will give their young son the chance to celebrate his upcoming birthday and beyond.
