New Bedford Baby Battling Liver Disease Will Benefit From Walkathon

This is a story about the bonding of a one-year old New Bedford baby named Saige, her mother Celeste Houtman, her close friend Patricia Alves and others.

Saige, now just over a year old, had a difficult start to her life. Shortly after she was born in 2023, doctors at Boston Children's Hospital discovered she was suffering from a rare liver disease, Biliary Atresia.

"The doctors tried a surgical procedure to drain the liver, but it failed after two weeks," Houtman said.

It was then determined that Saige needed a liver transplant.

Both Houtman and Alves told Townsquare Sunday there were some tense days and nights, but recently there was some good news: doctors had located a match for a new liver for Saige.

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The operation was done on September 3 and Saige is now recovering nicely.

"She is exceeding her doctor's expectations. My girl's a strong cookie," Houtman said.

Alves has known Celeste since high school, and when she heard about Saige's condition, she wanted to help.

"Celeste is a great friend, she's always been good to me, and seeing her in this moment, we had to figure out how we could help," she said.

Alves and several other friends are planning a walkathon on Sunday, September 22 starting at 1 p.m. Walkers will depart from the beach house at West Beach to the entrance at Fort Taber and back again to West Beach.

"We're hoping the community will come together so we can raise some donations for Celeste and her family, and the journey that they're on," Alves said.

The group hopes to raise $5,000 for Celeste and her family, but added that any amount will help.

Houtman said she's grateful for the support and prayers of her friends and the community in general. Celeste is hoping Saige can return home sometime next week.

It you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.