The transplant team at Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit, which has performed numerous liver and many kidney transplants, has completed their first combination liver/kidney transplant, a rare procedure involving a 16-year-old Warren boy born with polycystic kidney disease.
Ethan Fueling, a junior at Cousino High School in Warren, is expected to return to class on April 7 for the first time since his Oct. 9, 2025, transplant.
Children’s Hospital of Michigan Transplant Surgeon Dr. Ahmed Nassar — who is personally experienced in liver/kidney transplants — performed the 11-hour procedure.
“We were excited, but very nervous,” says 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 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 16 of those occurring in children age 17 or younger, including Ethan’s.
“The Children’s Hospital of Michigan has a history of caring for the sickest patients, offering hope and expertise for those who need us,” says Makenzie Buchert, the hospital’s director of transplant services. “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.”
Nassar says the combination kidney and liver transplant is a delicate procedure.
“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,” Nassar says. “Both physically and mentally, it’s an amazing opportunity for patients like Ethan.”
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 says her family thinks about the donor, whose identity they do not know, every day.
“Precious,” she says. “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.”
Nicole adds Ethan is doing “fantastic,” and when he returns to school, he plans to join the Cousino golf team. Following graduation, he plans to attend college at Michigan State University in East Lansing.
“Fantastic! Fantastic!” Nicole says. “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 Secretary of State offices or visit GiftofLifeMichigan.org.
