BARE On The Road is made possible by our generous sponsors:
BARE On The Road presents BA Day at Children's Mercy!
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We’re proud to bring BARE On The Road to Children’s Mercy in Kansas City, MO—one of the nation’s top pediatric hospitals known for its commitment to compassionate, family-centered care. This special half-day event is designed for patients, families, and caregivers affected by biliary atresia, offering a welcoming space to learn, connect, and grow together.
Through expert-led presentations, personal patient stories, and engaging breakout sessions, attendees will gain valuable insights into diagnosis, treatment options, and long-term care strategies. A multidisciplinary Q&A panel will also provide direct access to leading experts in hepatology, transplant care, psychology, and more.
Join us for a morning of community, empowerment, and education—right in the heart of Kansas City.
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**In order to make this event as successful as possible, registration for this event is required**
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WHO CAN ATTEND?
Everyone is welcome! All stakeholders in the biliary atresia community (patients, families, caregivers, medical personnel, etc...) Open to all families from any center, not just NYU Langone Health.
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​​​WHEN:
October 18, 2025 08:00 - 12:00
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WHERE:
Children's Mercy Adele Hall Campus
2401 Gillham Road
Kansas City, MO 64108
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COST:
FREE
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There will be activities & programs for children
Due to staffing, our Kids Camp and activities are designed for children ages 5 and up. Children under 5 are welcome to join, but we ask that a caregiver assist with bathroom needs, diaper changes, naps, and specific feeding times.
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Food & drinks will be provided
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AGENDA
BARE Program: Understanding & Living with Biliary Atresia
📅 Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
🕗 Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
08:00AM - 9:00AM
Breakfast & Registration
Start your day with a warm welcome! Families will need to check in at the main entrance security desk at Children’s Mercy in Kansas City (Security will have a list of registered names), followed by check-in at the BA Day event table.
During this time, we invite everyone to get settled and enjoy a light breakfast. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet other BA families, connect with staff, and ease into the day’s events in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Children can begin to be dropped off at kids camp as early as 8:45am. Parent sign-in is required at drop off.
9:00AM - 9:10AM
Introduction
Join BARE Co-Founders Jennifer Lau (Executive Director) and Jordan Sarbaugh (President) as they kick off the day with a warm welcome. They'll introduce BARE’s mission and program goals, provide a brief overview of the day’s agenda, and highlight the available breakout session options.
9:10AM - 9:30AM
Keynote Speaker
9:30AM - 10:00AM
The Patient Journey: Real-Life Experiences
Panel Discussion
Hear directly from families navigating biliary atresia at various stages—new diagnosis, post-Kasai, and post-transplant. This panel discussion explores the emotional and practical challenges faced throughout childhood and adolescence. Learn how the BARE Shared Experience Ambassador (SEA) program supports families through connection and shared understanding.
Break
10:00AM - 10:10AM
Kids Camp break. We encourage parents to visit their children at kids camp during this time
10:10AM - 10:55AM
Breakout Sessions
Participants select ONE group to attend
Participants will join one of four breakout sessions tailored to different aspects of the biliary atresia journey. Each session offers expert insights, practical advice, and personal stories to support families at every stage.
A. Transition to Adult Care: What Families Need to Know
Explore the timeline and essential steps for transitioning from pediatric to adult care. This session covers fostering independence, developing communication skills, and includes perspectives from both parents and teens.
B. Psychosocial Considerations & Family Wellness
Learn strategies for coping with uncertainty, managing medical trauma, and supporting the mental health of both patients and caregivers. The session also focuses on building strong support systems through school, peers, and emotional care.
C. Understanding Life After Transplant
Gain insight into living with immunosuppression, staying on top of health maintenance, and the realities of post-transplant life through the eyes of experienced recipients.
D. Living with Biliary Atresia: Experience Sharing & Q&A
Join a candid conversation with teens and young adults living with biliary atresia or post-transplant. Topics include navigating school, friendships, and health; facing physical, emotional, and social changes; building independence; and dreaming about life beyond illness.
10:55AM - 11:45AM
Ask the Experts: Multidisciplinary Q&A Panel
11:45AM - 12:00PM
Closing Reflections & Community Resources
Wrap up the day with a recap of key takeaways and learn how to stay connected with BARE for ongoing support. Participants will receive educational materials and contact information to help guide their next steps and continue building community beyond the event.
12:00PM
Dismissal
Children must be picked up & signed out of kids camp no later than 12:10PM.
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Space must be vacant no later than 12:30
BOTR: Kids Camp Leader
Meet Lauren Jensen
Lauren Jensen (she/her) is a teacher, event planner, and a big fan of the liver community (her kids’ bestie is a BA/transplant recipient). Lauren has taught pre-k - 5th grades for the past 14 years, first as a classroom teacher and presently as a teacher-librarian. She is an alumni of Western Washington University and the University of Washington. She also owns an event planning company in Seattle, Washington. She resides in Seattle with her husband, three children, dog, and flock of chickens
