4-year-old transplant recipient Angelo Giorno dies, hospital says

Lauressa Swedberg imagined her daughter Friday greeting 4-year-old Angelo Giorno in heaven to run and play.

“I have no doubt they're together,” she said. “There's no sickness in those two anymore.”

Just over two months ago, Swedberg's 3-year-old daughter, Olivia, united with Angelo in a different way. Olivia died of brain cancer, and Angelo received her small intestine during a high-profile transplant in Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC in Lawrenceville.

On Friday, Swedberg learned that Angelo of Derry died in the hospital's intensive care unit from complications related to a virus.

She choked back tears.

“Angelo became one of our family members the minute he received Olivia's organs,” Swedberg said from her home in North Platte, Neb. “We will forever hold Angelo in our hearts as a son. It was truly an honor to know of this amazing family and to help in any way we could.”

Hospital spokeswoman Andrea Kunicky said Angelo died Thursday night.

His guardian, Dale Darazio, told the Tribune-Review earlier this week that an ailment known as adenovirus attacked Angelo's liver and kidneys. Darazio did not know how Angelo contracted the virus, which typically causes respiratory infections in babies and young children.

He said he was busy making funeral arrangements and would comment later.

Angelo and Lucas Goeller, 2, of Indiana Township made international headlines when the boys received Olivia's organs July 1.

Angelo received her small intestine to combat a digestive disorder known as short gut syndrome.

The three families formed an instant bond, communicating regularly by phone, on social media and via email. They planned to meet in person.

Olivia's mother originally connected with the Goeller family through Facebook in the days leading up to the transplant. She requested that Olivia's liver go to Lucas through a process known as direct donation. When a transplant team recovered Olivia's liver for Lucas, its members realized her small intestine was a match for Angelo . Legal guardians Darazio and Dean Kuhns rushed Angelo to Children's for the procedure.

“I truly in my heart feel like they are all my family,” Swedberg said.

Darazio called Swedberg earlier this week to tell her about Angelo's illness.

“He was up-front that things didn't look good, but I was hoping there was a way,” she said.

Lucas' mother, Jessica Goeller, was shaken by the news of�Angelo's death. She said Angelo, who was initially discharged in late July, visited them in Children's Hospital recently with gifts, including a red superhero cape with the capital letter “A” on it. She remembered his broad smile as he stood in the hospital room doorway.

“Our family is speechless and heartbroken,” Goeller said. “We will never stop praying for Angelo. We can't express how much this catches us off guard.”

Lucas, who has battled rejection and a blood infection, returned home from Children's on Aug. 19. He is up and about and in good spirits.

Goeller said she heard this week that Angelo was on life support, but still thought he would pull through.

“He was a fighter, and he won't have to suffer anymore,” she said. “I have a big empty pit in my stomach with my heart at my feet. His family had such a positive outlook. They're nothing short of amazing. You could really feel the love they had for him.”

Ben Schmitt is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-320-7991 or bschmitt@tribweb.com.