Bridging Hope For Biliary Atresia
This year, a brave swimmer living with Biliary Atresia (BA), who underwent only the Kasai procedure, is taking on the iconic 2025 Golden Gate Sharkfest Swim to raise awareness and funds for Biliary Atresia Research & Education. Despite the challenges of BA, they’re diving into the cold waters of San Francisco Bay to make a difference for others facing this rare liver disease.
Join us in supporting their courageous journey and help fund critical research, education, and hope for the BA community.
Meet Maryanne:
My name is Maryanne Peng, and I was born with biliary atresia—a rare, life-altering liver disease. From the start, it shaped every part of my life. It stunted my growth, took a toll on my mental health, and in my twenties, I reached a point of profound darkness.
Then I found BARE (Biliary Atresia Research & Education)—and everything changed. BARE gave me hope. It gave me connection. It gave me a community where, for the first time, I felt truly understood and no longer alone.
Today, I am healing. I am growing. And I am taking on a challenge that pushes me far outside my comfort zone: swimming across the Golden Gate Bridge.
This is more than a swim—it’s a statement. I’m turning fear into purpose, raising funds for BARE so we can move closer to a cure, advance research, and continue building the life-changing support network that has meant so much to me.
Every single donation—no matter the size—brings us closer to a future where no one faces biliary atresia alone.
