Students join fundraiser for baby's liver transplant

Brian and Piper Walnicki on her 1st birthday.

Students at SUNY Fredonia helped generate more than $1,300 in donations to help defray costs of a life-saving liver transplant for Piper Walnicki, the one-year-old daughter of Brian Walnicki, principal violist of the Western New York Chamber Orchestra (in residence at SUNY Fredonia), and his wife, Lydia Evans, who is the daughter of Music Professor Emeritus David Evans.

Piper, who is being treated at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia, a rare liver disease that strikes one in 15,000 to 20,000 newborns.

A fundraising goal of $75,000 has been set to help the family pay for treatment costs not covered by health insurance. Residents of Schulz Hall held the fundraiser, involving donations to "arrest" Resident Assistants, prior to Spring Break.  

Piper's parents have been touched by the efforts of friends and strangers alike at SUNY Fredonia. "Lots of campus people have stepped up to help us raise funds and we are extremely thankful," Mr. Walnicki, who is a former adjunct professor in the School of Music, said.

Donations can be placed at M&T Bank locations or online via the Children's Organ Transplant Association at a special page for Piper.