TORONTO — Despite his physical and cognitive challenges, Sar Levy, 27, is an optimistic, active and sociable young man.

But now his life is threatened if he does not find a living liver donor.

His twin brother, Gavriel, who contacted The CJN, spoke of their early years.

“We were born 28 weeks premature,” Gavriel said. “My birth was normal, but Sar’s birth was an emergency caesarean section, as the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. At birth, he developed a rare form of meningitis and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis, a rare combination.”

Gavriel spoke of his brother’s courage. “He has had countless operations, massive seizures, and now he is facing his biggest battle. His cystic fibrosis has developed cirrhosis of the liver and he has a dire need for a live liver transplant.”

Most often, liver transplants are done with close relatives. Sar’s parents, Yoseph and Baylee Levy, were disqualified for health reasons. Gavriel offered to donate part of his liver, but when he went through the assessment, they found that he was not an anatomical match.

Gavriel noted that the liver possesses amazing regenerative properties, and within two months of surgery, the remaining portion of the donor’s liver grows back to full size.

Despite his brother’s struggles, Gavriel said Sar is “determined, curious and intelligent and wakes up every morning raring to go.”

Sar is an alumnus of Zareinu Educational Centre, attended Camp HASC (run by the Hebrew Academy For Special Children), a summer camp in the Catskills, for 12 years, and he is an enthusiastic participant at DANI events in Toronto, where he enjoys the music programs. He also loves horseback riding.

“It hurts me terribly to see what Sar is going through right now,” Gavriel said. “He is a fighter and continues to fight because he loves living.

“Please give him the gift of life that he so desperately needs.”  

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