Fundraiser Nets $4,370 for Lawrenceville Boy

A weekend fundraiser at the in Princeton raised more than $4,000 for the Barnosky family of Lawrenceville.

The money will go towards the care of four-year-old Liam Barnosky, who was born with a rare liver disease and recently underwent a liver transplant. 

About 60 people came to the fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 30, which featured an open bar, hors d'oeuvres and live music courtesy of Ivy Inn owner Richard Ryan, Barnosky family friend Nicole Suozzi said.

Although Jeff Barnosky, his wife Jennifer Lambert, and Liam could not attend the fundraiser, they sent a letter that was read aloud on Saturday:

"We are so sorry we can’t be with you, today. We can’t begin to thank you enough for your incredible support. We truly are at a loss for words when it comes to expressing how grateful we are for your kindness and generosity. We are so moved by the fact that all of you have been rooting for Liam – knowing this has gotten us through the difficult moments.  

We are lucky to be on the other side of the transplant process. We are focusing on helping Liam heal and keeping him as healthy as possible. In the week since Liam’s transplant, he has more energy than we’ve ever seen. And, for the first time in his life, he is eating non-step. Just yesterday, he had four meals!  

Please know that we are incredibly grateful for each one of you here today. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

And we are there with you in spirit!!" 

At nine weeks old, Liam Barnosky was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a rare liver disease that, if untreated, would lead to liver failure.

Just a week later, he underwent surgery, but his health was still fragile and eventually his liver began to fail. Liam was placed on the transplant waiting list in January 4. On June 20, he underwent a liver transplant at Children’s Hospital of Philadelpha, receiving part of his mother’s liver.

Money raised will help the family recoup medical costs related to Liam’s care, although the transplant procedure itself was covered by medical insurance.