Xander Castillo released from Pittsburgh-area hospital after successful liver transplant
By RealWV Staff,
PITTSBURGH, PA – It is with tremendous joy and gratitude that, after receiving a successful liver transplant on Aug. 25, we are able to report that Xander Castillo was released from the hospital on Friday. Both Xander and his family will be staying in the Pittsburgh-area for the foreseeable future to make his follow-up care more manageable.
On Wednesday, Xander took to social media to deliver the following message:
“I was successfully transplanted on August 25th, today I rang the bell and am continuing to heal and gain strength day by day. I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for the endless support and love sent my way when I needed it the most. God bless.
“Philippians 4:13 ‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength.’”
“A verse that has stuck with me through these last few weeks thanks to a great friend and leader in my life. 4/13 (my birth date), a date that was asked multiple times with my time being in the hospital by nurses, doctors, and other staff. Many know this specific verse but it’s no coincidence that the date and verse are the same.”
“God got me through the darkest of times and when the lights would go out he would light the way through for me giving me unexplainable strength. Sometimes all you have to do is listen when things go dark, and you’ll find your way out. Be patient, persevere and endure the pain just a little longer, your story just has to be different from the rest.”
As it has been relayed to us, Xander’s “bilirubin (blood test to test function of liver) is improving (1.6) and almost back in the normal range (0.3-1.5). It was dangerously elevated (39) before the liver transplant. Xander is enjoying being out of the hospital and some home cooked meals. He and the family are eternally grateful for all the prayers, support and love that have helped sustain them through this difficult journey of almost two years now.”
A GoFundme account was set up last year, and remains active for anyone who would like to donate to help support Xander and the family with all those many bills that insurance does not cover, including his family staying in Pittsburgh during his recovery.
