Dec. 18 will mark the first anniversary of a mother-and-son surgery that removed 65 percent of the right lobe of a Norwich man’s liver to save the life of his mother.

Cassie (Fontaine) Grillo and her son Marlon Delgado had the surgery at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, Mass.

“She gave me life, and I gave it back to her,” said Marlon.

Cassie, originally from Taftville, graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1973. Marlon graduated from NFA in 1996, and he and his dad Ron Delgado of Norwich were both NFA athletes.

In April 2019, Cassie was diagnosed with liver cancer and cirrhosis. Cassie was originally placed on a long list for a liver donor; she was given three bouts of chemotherapy, and the third one didn’t take so this sped up the process to find a liver donor.

Her son Marlon originally thought that his mother could only receive a liver from a deceased donor; however, a living-donor liver transplant is an alternative to waiting for a deceased-donor liver.

The human liver normally regenerates and returns to its normal size shortly after surgical removal of part of the organ. Marlon being a man of faith, and knowing that everyone has a purpose, decided to be tested. He’s a single man with no children, in good health, self-employed and would bounce back quickly.

Marlon and his mother’s blood was cross-matched, which is a way for the healthcare provider to test Cassie’s blood against a donor’s blood to make sure they are fully compatible. It was then that Marlon was accepted into the program to donate part of his liver.

Marlon and Cassie traveled to the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, a renowned leader in transplant medicine and surgery. The transplant teams, who worked together to perform the surgeries, were Dr. Caroline Simon and Dr. Yee Lee Cheah.

There were many appointments and testing; their health going into the surgery was very important. Once the transplant was completed, both would be in the hospital seven to 10 days and they would have to stay close to the hospital in case of rejection.

The transplant was finally scheduled for Dec. 9, 2019. One of the Gospel songs which provided encouragement to Cassie during this difficult time was “I’m Gonna Be Ready” by Yolanda Adams: “Sight beyond what I see, you know what’s best for me; prepare my mind, prepare my heart for whatever comes; I’m gonna be ready.”

The hospital became concerned about Marlon’s levels; therefore, the surgery date had to be rescheduled to Dec. 18. During the transplant, it was discovered that Marlon not only had a large, healthy liver but an extra bile duct; which meant the doctor would not have to put a synthetic part in.

After the successful transplant, mom and son were on the same floor of the hospital; Cassie was doing well within the first two days. Marlon was fatigued as hospital personnel came in every three hours, 24 hours a day, to see that he walked the halls of the hospital with intravenous poles. Cassie was discharged two days before Christmas and Marlon on Christmas Eve, staying in a hotel near the campus for testing.

Marlon returned home to Norwich and Cassie to Maine, but they spoke on the phone frequently. Marlon reintroduced himself to regular food, drank lots of liquids and protein shakes because of the weight loss. Marlon and his mom did not see each other again until the St. Bernard basketball game on Feb. 21 featuring Marlon’s nephew and his mom’s grandson Tyson Wheeler Jr. They hugged and Cassie cried; Marlon knew how thankful his mother was.

At Marlon’s last follow-up appointment in February, his liver was at three-quarters regenerated. Both still go to Lahey for follow-up tests, but they are recovering well.

Marlon’s purpose had been fulfilled! He had loved unconditionally, became the best version of himself and gave a part of himself to save his mother’s life. There is “No Greater Love.”

Roberta J. Vincent, Marlon Delgado’s aunt and godmother, lives in New London, where she is president of the St. Anthony Chapel Foundation. She is also member of the Norwich Arts Center Board, NFA Alumni Board and Norwich Lions, among other organizations.

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