Rosie Vargas
Pittsburgh, PA
Child liver donor recipient

Rosie Vargas, originally from Ventura County, Calif., has received two liver transplants, the first at just nine months old, from a living related donor and necessary to cure her maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), a genetic disorder of metabolism in which the body cannot process certain protein elements and can lead to irreparable brain damage.

However, due to a rare complication, Rosie’s living-donor liver transplant was not effective, and she was listed for a repeat transplantation. Rosie and her parents relocated to Pittsburgh and waited two years for a suitable liver to become available.

Her second liver transplant, this from a deceased donor, was performed in July 2018 and has been a great success. Now six years old, Rosie’s long-term prognosis is excellent.

For her bravery, Rosie was named a 2020 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) champion for Pittsburgh.

“Rosie is a strong, brave, determined and loving little girl,” said Sarah and Tony Vargas, Rosie’s parents. “The amazing care she has received has allowed her to blossom. CMNH helps fund the programs that make visits and admissions more fun and we can’t thank them enough for their support.”