National Pediatric Transplant Week

Kids deserve to be kids. But did you know there are over 2,000 kids across the United States waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant? Life on the transplant waiting list is not easy, especially for kids.

During National Pediatric Transplant Week (April 19–25, 2026), we shared four local stories of young liver transplant recipients. We can't share recipient stories without honoring the living and deceased donors that gave the gift of life through liver donation.

Caleb, Liver Transplant Recipient

Caleb Munn was born in September 2014 with a rare liver disease called biliary atresia, but he was not diagnosed until he was four months old. By the time the doctors diagnosed him, he was in end-stage liver failure and needed a liver transplant in order to survive.

At six months old, Caleb was transplanted with a portion of his father's liver at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore by their amazing pediatric liver team. Those first two years post-transplant were the hardest for Caleb, where he faced rejection a couple times and was sick a lot due to his high immune suppression. By the time he turned two, life finally started to stabilize for him and his family, allowing them all to breathe a bit easier and enjoy more life together. Caleb followed his liver specialists to NYU Langone in 2023 and sees his team every other year now thanks to stable liver labs. He enjoys the special trips into NYC with his mom when they come around!

Today, Caleb is a healthy, happy 11-year-old boy who just recently celebrated 11 years post-transplant! He loves playing video games with his friends, challenging himself with 18+ Lego kits, playing flag football and basketball in the school intramural sports, and he loves to fish!

"We are so grateful for this life we get to share together, and it is all thanks to organ and blood donation that Caleb (and his dad!) are with us today," says Caleb's mom.

Ezra, Liver Transplant Recipient

A traumatic birth caused a hypoxic injury to Ezra's liver, and from the very beginning, his little body has had to fight harder than most. Over the years, his family pursued every treatment and procedure they could to support his liver function—but despite it all, his health slowly declined.

When Ezra was four, his doctor referred his family back to his transplant team. Just before his fifth birthday, he was listed for a liver transplant. They were encouraged to share his story and consider living donation—to ask people to step into something incredibly selfless, something that can truly save a life. So they shared. And then, in a way they never could have imagined, someone said yes.

One day, Ezra’s former preschool teacher showed up at their home to surprise them. What they didn’t know was that she had quietly gone through the entire process to become a living donor—and was approved as Ezra’s perfect match.

In August of 2024, at just five and a half years old, Ezra received a healthy new liver because one person chose to give him that chance. Living donation is an extraordinary gift. Because of that choice, Ezra has a future that once felt uncertain.

His recovery hasn’t been easy. There have been hard days and long nights. But through it all, his donor—now a dear friend and forever part of their family—has walked right alongside him, encouraging him, showing up for him, and reminding us what real love looks like.

This journey isn’t over, but today, Ezra is here. Growing, healing, and continuing to show us what strength looks like.

"If you know Ezra, you know he is a dragon-loving, movie-quoting, sassy, funny, endlessly charming little guy who keeps us all on our toes and laughing daily. He is so full of life, and now… he gets so much more of it. We will never have words big enough to express our gratitude.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a living donor, we hope you’ll consider it. It truly changes lives—ours is living proof. And if you pray, we’d love prayers as Ezra continues to heal and thrive. Thank you for loving our boy and supporting our family," says Ezra's mom.

Lucas, Liver Transplant Recipient

Lucas Robert Mandara was born on February 28, 2024 with a rare disease called biliary atresia. Little did his family know that February 28 is also Rare Disease Day.

From a "routine" well-check the days after birth, his pediatrician noticed Lucas was more jaundice, leading to some blood work and a call we never expected, we were directed to head right away to Strong NICU Tower, and their family's life flipped upside down. After months of uncertainty and a biliary atresia diagnosis, they found the community BARE and they helped us find our way to the incredible team at NY Presbyterian.

On June 17, 2025, Lucas' mom was able to donate part of her liver to save Lucas.

"Being his living donor was the greatest honor of my life. My husband Dan, stayed at the hospital every single night to make sure Lucas was okay. Our family members helped take care of our other son Henry. After a long summer at the Ronald McDonald House in NYC navigating bile leaks and recovery, we finally brought our "spicy" boy home to Upstate NY," says Lucas' mom.

Today, Lucas is a fearless 2-year-old who loves Elmo with his whole heart and thinks the couch is a professional jumping platform. He is also the best little brother to Henry. He still manages high blood pressure and regular check-ups, but that’s just a footnote in his story. His entire family is so proud of the boy he is and the life he has ahead of him!

J’Mari, Liver Transplant Recipient

J’Mari was born on July 30, 2021. At just nine weeks old, concerns about his health led to a genetic test and he underwent the Kasai surgery at UPMC in hopes of saving his liver. A few weeks later, genetic testing revealed he has Alagille Syndrome, a rare condition that affects multiple organs, including the liver.

As his liver disease progressed, J’Mari was placed on the transplant list on June 2, 2023. After needing a heart procedure first, we received the life changing call that a donor liver had been found. Although his surgery was delayed due to illness, J’Mari successfully received his liver transplant on November 14, 2023.

Since his transplant, he’s faced a few bumps but continues to thrive! Talking now, playing outside, doing puzzles, and showing his big love for horses. His journey is a powerful reminder of strength, resilience, and the lifesaving gift of organ donation," says JJ's mom.

Do you want to share your child's transplant story? Reach out to our team! Sharing stories is an important way to spread awareness about kids transplant waiting list and honor the donors that save lives.

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