Warren teen recipient of rare transplant at Children’s Hospital of Michigan
Ethan is pictured with his parents and members of the Children’s Hospital of Michigan transplant team.
The transplant team at Children’s Hospital of Michigan has done many liver and many kidney transplants.
And today they celebrated their first combination liver/kidney transplant, a rare procedure for a 16-year-old Warren boy born with polycystic kidney disease.
Ethan Fueling, a junior at Cousino High School, is expected to return to class April 7 for the first time since his Oct. 9, 2025 transplant at Children’s Hospital of Michigan.
Children’s Hospital of Michigan Transplant Surgeon Ahmed Nassar – who is personally experienced in liver/kidney transplant – performed the 11-hour procedure.
‘Excited but nervous’
“We were excited but very nervous,” said Ethan’s mom, Nicole, who explained that they had known since Ethan was born he would someday need a kidney transplant and possibly a liver transplant due to his kidney disease.
“We were also at the same time pretty grateful, because if we can get it all done at one time, it’s less he has to focus on in the future.”
During the rare procedure, both the liver and the kidney from a single donor are transplanted to the same person at the same time.
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, or UNOS, the organization that oversees transplant in the United States, there were 864 liver/kidney transplants in the nation in 2025, with only 16 of those occurring in children age 17
or younger – including Ethan’s.
Children’s Hospital of Michigan ‘offers hope and expertise’
“The Children’s Hospital of Michigan has a history of caring for the sickest patients, offering hope and expertise for those who need us,” said the hospital’s Director of Transplant Services, Makenzie Buchert.
“We are so happy to support Ethan and his family on their journey. And we especially honor those who give the gift of life, providing hope to others with a future.”
Dr. Nassar said the combination kidney and liver transplant is a delicate procedure with big results.
“The ability to do a liver/kidney transplant addresses the issues of both organs while the patient only has to endure one surgery – and recovery – rather than two,” Dr. Nassar said. “Both physically and mentally, it’s an amazing opportunity for patients like Ethan.”
Family thinks of donor’s family ‘every day’
According to UNOS, 2,618 people were on the transplant wait list in Michigan as of March 31, 2026 — 2,309 waiting for a kidney and 112 waiting for a liver, among other organs. The list does not include those waiting for both a liver and kidney.
Ethan’s mom said they think about the donor, whose identity they do not know, every day.
“Precious,” she said. “I don’t think I can explain the truest of feelings. We have thought about that family since October. We are incredibly thankful and grateful they were willing to share. Out of their loss, they gave our son life. I don’t think I’ll be able to say thank you enough.”
Ethan’s current health status: ‘Fantastic!’
Nicole said Ethan is doing “fantastic,” returning to school, the Cousino golf team and dreams to attend college at Michigan State University.
“Fantastic! Fantastic!” Nicole said. “I’m very, very grateful. He just looks so much healthier, just in the physical appearance. My heart is so full. He’s changed so much in the past six months.
“He looks so much better, he’s much better mentally. He’s grown up a lot in the last six months, and it changes your perspective. First, he’s back to school, and senior year is next year. He’ll be off and on to bigger, better things.”
To register to become an organ donor, sign up at the Secretary of State when you renew your license or go to www.GiftofLifeMichigan.org.
