Marshall liver transplant recipient Maia Govan to start prep

Doctors told Marshall girl Maia Govan’s parents she may never be able to attend mainstream school.

Maia Govan, now 5 with mum Tara, big sister Luna, 10, and dad Richard. Picture: Mark Wilson

When Maia Govan was a baby, doctors told her parents she may never be able to attend mainstream school.

But on Tuesday, the five-year-old will start prep at Grovedale Primary School.

Maia spent much of the first year of her life in hospital, after being born with a rare genetic disorder.

Propionic acidemia means the body is unable to process certain proteins and fats properly.

The Marshall girl was diagnosed after experiencing feeding and breathing difficulties as a newborn.

Her liver struggled to process proteins, meaning she would often vomit after feeding.

When she turned one in April 2019, Maia was placed on the transplant list for a liver, and received a donor organ in early 2020.

She returned home after a month in hospital following the transplant a “different kid”, mum Tara Duke said.

“It’s like she was lighter and happier,” Ms Duke said.

Maia still has developmental delay but started progressing well post-transplant, with the help of intensive therapies.

Maia Govan and big sister Luna. Picture: Mark Wilson

Before she was on the transplant list, doctors said she may not be able to walk unassisted, but around her fourth birthday she started walking independently.

Her parents were worried she may constantly get sick at kinder due to being immunocompromised, but she thrived.

“We found she was much more robust than we thought,” Ms Duke said.

“We feel confident and really excited about her starting school.”

Maia consumes food through a tube and normally, and follows a lower protein diet and takes medication.

When she’s older she should be able to always eat without the tube, but will also need to watch her protein intake.

Maia loves singing and dancing, and watching In The Night Garden and Gabby’s Dollhouse.

Ms Duke said Maia’s family was “blown away” by her strength, and how unfazed she was by challenges.

Ms Duke said Maia was really excited to be starting school alongside her beloved big sister Luna, who is entering grade five, and meeting friends and teachers.

“It’s very cute,” she said.

“She’s ticking off goals.”

People can register as an organ and tissue donor at donatelife.gov.au.

Originally published as Marshall liver transplant recipient Maia Govan to start prep