Maria, Age 9

Maria was diagnosed with Hepatic Hemangoendotheliomas at the age of two months. She was admitted to DeVos Children’s Hospital on October 24, 1996. Maria was inpatient throughout her entire nine month stay with the exception of three weeks when she was well enough to come home. Maria was treated by the Pediatric Oncologist at DeVos until she was flown to University of Michigan in July of 1997 and listed for a liver transplant.

Maria received her first transplant two weeks before her first birthday on August 14, 1997. Maria needed another transplant a few years later. She received her second liver transplant on August 6, 2003. Currently, Maria is in excellent health!!

Maria is now nine years old and has one older brother Calvin. Her parents, Jeff and Kristie say that Maria loves to play with her friends. Maria also enjoys Barbies, drawing, and playing house. She is even in Gymnastics and was recently moved up to Level 2. She is, “an active and social little girl.” As a family, they love to spend time just hanging out together! They like to play games, dance and just have fun. This will be their 3rd Marathon and they are looking forward to participating again this year. The family would like to thank everyone involved for all they do!