Sophia’s Journey Born on March 13, 2013, Sophia was the youngest of four children. In her earliest days, everything appeared normal—until the jaundice that was expected to fade lingered and grew more pronounced. Though her family was initially reassured it was typical newborn jaundice, instinct told them something wasn’t right. By just over three months old, Sophia was still visibly jaundiced, failing to thrive, and increasingly irritable. Bloodwork revealed serious concerns, and within a whirlwind of appointments and testing, the diagnosis came: biliary atresia. What began as a clinic visit quickly became a hospital admission filled with imaging, procedures, and the heavy reality of a rare liver disease. Sophia underwent the Kasai procedure, but it was unsuccessful. Her only chance at survival was a liver transplant. As her health rapidly declined, her family braced for the unknown. After nearly three months on the waiting list, at just 9 ½ months old, Sophia’s life was saved by a living donor liver transplant. The weeks following surgery were difficult, but Sophia’s resilience carried her forward. She was soon discharged from the hospital with a new lease on life. Today, Sophia is a spunky 12-year-old who loves art, Snoopy, and every opportunity to raise awareness about biliary atresia. Her story is one of hope, strength, and the power of community—an inspiring reminder of why BARE’s mission matters.