Maggie's Little Liver Story

22/02/2026

All bundled up for an afternoon walk around the neighborhood. Maggie loves her big sis, Colleen. Sometimes they just look at each other and start laughing. This baby has been sticking her tongue out and blowing raspberries so much lately.

20/02/2026

We have been so happy to be home from the hospital. This big girl comes off of Status 7 on Sunday! Status 7 is a pause on listing while we wait for her live vaccines to reach 30 days.

18/02/2026

We can reach out to the deceased donor family through Vanderbilt with a letter at six months after transplant. We fully intend to do this.

17/02/2026

After SEVEN days--Maggie's going home!

16/02/2026

13/02/2026

This morning, I am grateful for a team that stops by to see us often and genuinely cares about Maggie and our family. This is Colleen and one our sweetest PAs, Anya. Last night she showed Colleen all the parts of the 3D printed liver that our child life specialist printed for her and asked her about dance too. Anya has been with us from the very start. I will never forget the first time I met her was also when I was in tears from listening to Maggie, screaming from gas pain after Kasai-- her first surgery. I wasn't allowed to feed her and there was nothing I could do. Anya took her from me, held her while she cried, and gave me some time to myself. She puts my heart at ease every time I see her.

12/02/2026

Maggie got her NG Tube placed last night and is doing much better today. The first photo shows shortly after placement. The next is her working with dad this morning, and the last one is of her this evening. It didn't take long for her to get used to it. Michael and I will have a training on NG tubes soon. In the meantime, I've been looking into getting some cute tubetape for her sweet little face.

11/02/2026

Back in the hospital with my favorite girl who happens to be seven months old today. It's our third stay in just a couple weeks. She's lost some weight and is on a new IV antibiotic and will be getting an ng tube tonight. Maggie needs a break, but she's still smiling. 🩷

10/02/2026

I love this photo and am so thankful for this team of talented professionals who have helped us navigate Biliary Atresia since Maggie was diagnosed at two months old.
Left to right—
Dr. Alvi has been there for us in the ER, the hospital, and has talked with me over the phone in the middle of the night more than once. He gives me an idea of what to expect before we even arrive at the hospital.
Dr. Magliocca—this was my first time meeting him. He is the transplant surgeon and based on everything I've read about the transplants he's done, he is a true hero. He came to meet Maggie, and I know she will be in excellent hands when it comes time for transplant.
Carly is a gem and has helped us get insurance approval for transplant. She keeps us updated with changes in Maggie’s liver score.
McKenzie and Anya are absolute angels. They listen to my concerns and answer so many questions. Sweet Anya held Maggie one night after her Kasai surgery when she wouldn’t stop crying. McKenzie has seen me after a sleepless night in the hospital and always makes sure I feel supported.
Not pictured are Caitlyn and Lauren, two more incredible PAs who have also been there for our family.
And Dr. Pai. The very first time I met her, she told me Biliary Atresia would not define Maggie. I believed her then, and I believe her now. That same night, she stayed until Colleen arrived at the hospital because she wanted to meet her too. When transplant became more likely, she reminded me again that this diagnosis will not define Maggie. She cares about our entire family. She remembers the names of our extended family members and friends. She came and sat with me and Maggie in the ER while we waited for a room on Christmas night. I don’t know the other families she cares for, but I can only imagine they receive the same level of care from her that we do. She is an absolute treasure, and I trust her completely to make sure Maggie has the best possible outcome. We are so grateful to have this care team

09/02/2026

Another happy day at home.