Chronicle of a liver transplant in 28 days

How did it happen? That’s the question that echoes again and again.

How do you make sense of a life being turned upside down in just 28 days? 

That’s what happened to Paloma González García. In less than a month, her liver rapidly deteriorated to the point of complete failure. Her only chance of survival was a transplant.

Paloma is one of the most vibrant, joyful people I know. She sings at the top of her lungs, dances with abandon, and lights up any room she enters. She’s never smoked, doesn’t drink alcohol, and has never relied on any substance to feel good—she possesses an energy entirely her own.

This is the story of how Paloma’s life suddenly changed, told in her own words through WhatsApp messages sent initially from her family home and then a hospital bed in Mazatlán, Mexico: 

Tuesday, July 1

“I have hepatitis and typhoid—can you believe it? A whole month bedridden.”

Thursday, July 3

“I just took a shower. It wore me out, but I’m okay, all things considered.”

Saturday, July 5

“My eyes are super tired. I don’t know if it’s from the hepatitis, but I have to wear glasses just to watch TV.”

Sunday, July 6

“I just showered and I can’t even explain how hard it is. It’s like getting punched in the stomach and having your soul knocked out of you. You can’t imagine—it’s like it takes your life away.”

“I’m a little dizzy. I’m going to leave the chat for a bit, okay?”

Tuesday, July 8

“They just took blood samples. Results will be ready at 1:00 PM. I hope my levels have gone down.” 

Wednesday, July 9

“I’m falling asleep again. I’ll call you later. I’m not feeling great—feeling a little dizzy.” 

Saturday, July 12

“Today, they’re doing an MRI to see why, instead of going down, the numbers are going up. It seems it’s because of how inflamed my liver is.”

Tuesday, July 15

“An ambulance is on its way to get me because I’m dehydrated and not getting better. They want to keep me monitored and make sure I’m on strict bed rest.”

Wednesday, July 16

“I’m doing okay, all things considered. The only thing is I might need plasma donors, but that’s it, nothing more.” 

Friday, July 18

Paloma stops responding to messages.

Tuesday, July 22

Her condition becomes worse. Doctors confirm she is experiencing complete liver failure. Dr. Jonathan Aguirre, based in Mexico City, pushes for her immediate transfer to Hospital Ángeles del Pedregal, located south of the Mexican capital. 

Wednesday, July 23

Paloma is airlifted to Mexico City in critical condition.

Friday, July 25

With 95% of her liver no longer functioning, and a very narrow window of time to save her, she is placed as a priority on the transplant waiting list.

Tuesday, July 29

A miracle happens. A compatible donor becomes available, and Paloma undergoes a life-saving transplant.

“I am beyond grateful to the anonymous donor and their family, whose generosity and humanity made it possible for the love of my life to receive a liver transplant in time and have the possibility to come home and see our daughter grow up. It is the greatest act of love one can give to a complete stranger. My eternal thanks, always.”

— Doug Rowell, Paloma’s husband 

This is just the beginning of a long and fragile recovery. The surgery was successful, but the coming days, weeks and months are critical. Paloma remains under close observation to ensure her body doesn’t reject the liver and to guard against complications, which are still a very real possibility. Each day is a step forward, but it comes with enormous physical, emotional, and financial strain. 

Paloma fell ill while visiting her family for the summer in Mazatlán, just prior to a planned move from Los Angeles to Mexico City this coming fall, in the hopes of providing their daughter a chance to fully experience both sides of her bicultural family. As unfortunate timing would have it, they were not yet approved for health insurance in Mexico. Her emergency and continued care is being managed by one of the most respected private hospitals in the country with extensive experience in liver transplants. This was the only option available during the short and critical window to save Paloma. The family considers themselves blessed to have received such surgical expertise and the quality of treatment is exceptional—but it comes at a high cost. 

Doug, who is originally from the United States, and their daughter Paulina are staying strong and doing everything they can to support Paloma’s recovery from this life-threatening situation. They are deeply grateful for the love, support, and encouragement they’ve received from so many friends, family, and kind strangers. But the road ahead is long, and the financial burden continues to grow.  

For those who want to contribute, her family and friends say it will go directly toward covering the medical expenses, medication, follow-up care and other support needed to help Paloma heal.