Little Jude is 2-years-old, he needs a new liver and time is running out. His parents, Josef and Nicole Ward, are hoping their ties to the Bay Area will inspire locals to rally around this boy in desperate need.
Jude was diagnosed with a type of liver disease as a baby, Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Doctors have recommended a life-saving liver transplant and estimate that Jude only has a few more months before his liver will fail completely. He’s currently being treated in Philadelphia. His family has relocated from Florida to be closer to the hospital where Jude is being cared for.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Jude needs O+ blood type
Living Liver Donor Website: CLICK HERE
The Wards are from St. Pete and Gulfport and both parents went to Boca Ciega High School. Josef is active duty Air Force.
“He loves watching Nemo and Mother Goose Club. His big brother is his favorite person in the whole world. He has the kindest soul despite his daily struggles. Jude could have just fasted for 12 + hours and the second he gets food he is offering you some too. He may be feeling bad but he will never tell you what hurts, he is so strong. He is our little big hero,” Jude’s parents write on a webpage dedicated to support for Jude.
There are several ways you can help including answering a questionnaire to see if you’re a match to be involved in a liver transplant, donating money to Jude’s costly medical bills and simply sharing his story.
