CLEVELAND — Paul Steele and Chrystal Steele spend most days at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for rehabilitation, supporting their daughter.

“[We] thought maybe that, she was, like I said, just getting the flu,” Paul said. “And then, on day three, I think my wife went and checked on her, and she couldn't even hardly stand up.”

What You Need To Know

  • Cyla Steele was diagnosed with acute liver failure earlier this year and is recovering from a life-saving transplant operation
  • The average costs of a liver transplant surgery in the United States surpasses $800,000

  • Even with insurance, the teen’s parents said transplant-related expenses could add up to more than $1 million over Cyla’s lifetime

Their daughter, Cyla Steele, was told that doctors would need to perform a life-saving transplant.

“Cyla is probably the person in the room that's going to make everybody laugh. She is noticeable energy when she walks into the room,” Paul said.

Cyla, a high school sophomore who loves to cheer, was diagnosed with acute liver failure in September. With the surgery cost exceeding $800,000, the northeast Ohio family is now seeking support from the community. To help with the healing journey, they’re partnering with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. 

Chrystal said its been a rough road to recovery, but it was most difficult in the beginning.

“It's just I felt like I was living in a nightmare, like I didn't know what was going on," Chrystal said.

Cyla’s body doesn’t show signs of rejecting the new liver, Paul said, but their struggles are far from over.

“I think the thing that we want most, for people to understand is, you know, she she will probably return to a mostly normal life, but, that's going to take a lot of support and a lot of, you know, just strength from Cyla," Paul said. 

The family is hoping to raise $75,000 to assist with transplant-related expenses that are not covered by medical insurance, which they said could add up to more than $1 million over Cyla’s lifetime.

“It's a lifelong thing of taking medication and checking bloodwork and stuff like that, but I think it's just having to change your lifestyle a little bit and just make it a new normal,” Paul said.

Still, the Steele family is optimistic about the future. The family said they’re hoping the funds will help Cyla get back on her feet, especially Cyla’s 4-year-old niece, Oakley Greene.

“I just want her,” Oakley said.

A frequent visitor at the hospital, Oakley said she’s excited for them to go back to a more regular life.

“I snuggle with her and watch TV,” Oakley said.

As they continue navigating the hospital hallways and high costs, Chrystal said they’re grateful for any support along the way.

“A big outpouring of support and love from our community and people we don't even know. and we really, really appreciate it,” Chrystal said. “There's really not enough words to thank people for helping her, so thank you.”