Caroline M.

Caroline was born a healthy baby from a healthy pregnancy on October 26, 2015.

During her one-month checkup, at 4 weeks old, she was quickly admitted to Palms West Hospital with concerns of high Bilirubin. This is where our journey began with Biliary Atresia (a rare liver disease).

Since this time, she has made multiple trips to Miami, for this was the only pediatric liver hospital in the state of Florida (there is now one in Orlando).

Caroline has experienced more in her little life than most would, in their lifetime i.e. many surgical ports, a Kasai procedure, many episodes of cholangitis, adenoids removed, tonsils removed, chronic pneumonia (6+ times), asthma, allergies, immune suppression, and two liver transplants (first one failed).

Caroline will always be at high risk for other life threatening factors due to her immune suppression and medications that allow her body to function such as: kidney failure, cancer, liver rejection among other things.

Caroline lives life to her fullest with her many enjoyments such as swimming, fishing, horseback riding, four wheeling, playing with her friends/family, barbies, anything with animals, playing in the rain, “experiments” baking, gardening, and gymnastics. She has an enormous heart and personality but her biggest quality if her generosity, always wanting and willing to help others.

She is proud of her scars as we refer to them as “cutie marks” from the show My Little Pony, it’s an honor or a badge to show your journey, your strength and independence. You would never know she had complications or medical issues because her spirit, her attitude, her determination and growth is remarkable; she touches everyone’s life immediately with a positivity and warmth. Caroline is a true warrior and so thankful to be a part of Chasin A Dream.

Caroline recently had regulatory scheduled blood work, unfortunately, her liver numbers are indicating rejection with the rule out of other causes. She is scheduled for a Liver Biopsy on 04/20/2021 in which will show how intense our next few weeks or months will be. She will be admitted to the hospital with projection of a minimum of 5 days, with the plan to prevent liver rejection with IV steroids and medications. The hope is we can save her liver and be sent home with 6 weeks of intense home treatment.

Update from Caroline’s mom, September 2022:

“Caroline is doing fabulous. She is officially a first grader and thriving! Making friends left and right. Has spunk and sparkle in every moment of every day. She is engaged in gymnastics and dance class but her heart will always be with the sea and sun! Medically, we continue to have our ups and downs with ongoing allergies, asthma and comorbidities of her liver disease. However, her second liver transplant has stayed strong with the help and support of her ID team, immunologist team, pulmonologist team, and her transplant liver/GI team. Has stayed out of admissions for hospital stays for about 6 months now and stabilized on blood work/follow ups from selective teams monthly.