National Pediatric Transplant Week, taking place April 20-26, 2025, is a time to honor the lives saved through pediatric organ donation and to recognize the families who make the selfless decision to give the gift of life. As part of National Donate Life Month (NDLM), this week highlights the need for pediatric transplants and the profound impact they have on children and their families.
This month marks 19 years since Chloe Buck received a lifesaving liver transplant, giving her a second chance at life. Chloe’s transplant anniversary just happens to fall on April 28, making this time of year especially meaningful for her family.
Chloe was born a healthy baby girl on February 13, 2006. But only two months later, doctors discovered that her liver was failing, and she was placed on the transplant list. Due to her young age, she needed a similarly sized infant liver with a matching blood type. The wait felt endless, as the odds of finding a donor seemed unlikely.
Her mother, Beth, remembers the moment they got the call that a donor had been found. “While we were thrilled, we also knew that this news meant that somewhere, a parent had to make the most difficult decision imaginable at their darkest moment,” she said.
“She had some early challenges post-transplant with mild rejection and a bout with Kawasaki disease, but she has overcome them all to become a healthy young woman,” Beth shared. Over the years, Chloe has amazed her family with her resilience and achievements. She has competed in the last three Transplant Games, winning several medals. She’s also a standout athlete in volleyball and basketball.
“As Chloe grows up, I’m in awe of her every day,” her mom, Beth, continued. “She excels at almost everything she does. She’s healthy, beautiful, kind, and caring. It brings a smile to my face and a tear to my eye every time I think of her and how far she’s come. She truly lives life to the fullest!”
Despite all of Chloe’s accomplishments, Beth and her family never forget the donor who made it all possible. “Our entire family is so thankful to the family who chose to turn their tragic loss into life,” she said. “Chloe’s life would not be possible without the selfless gift of her donor.”
Pediatric Organ Transplants: A Life-Saving Gift
National Pediatric Transplant Week is a reminder of the urgent need for pediatric organ donors. Children awaiting transplants often require organs that are size matched to their small bodies, making pediatric donation particularly vital.
Based on data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, as of March 2025, 2,310 children across the country are waiting for a second chance at life. While medical advancements have made pediatric transplants more successful than ever, the need for donors remains critical. Many conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, congenital heart disease, and pulmonary hypertension, can be life-threatening without a transplant.
Throughout this special week, transplant centers, donor families, and recipient families come together to share stories, honor donors, and celebrate transplant milestones. By raising awareness and encouraging donor registration, we can help ensure that more children receive the lifesaving transplants they desperately need.
Be a Part of the Solution
Chloe’s story is a testament to the incredible gift of organ donation. Because of a family’s generosity, she has had the opportunity to grow, thrive, and inspire others.
“I hope someday we’re able to thank this family for their selfless gift,” Beth said. “I think of her donor often, but every April, he’s on my mind even more. It breaks my heart to think of all the things he and his family missed out on. We remember and honor the great sacrifice that has made Chloe’s growth possible and allowed us the joy of watching her live a full life.”
During National Pediatric Transplant Week, we invite you to join us in celebrating the lives saved through organ donation and remembering those who made it possible. You can make a difference by registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor today. By doing so, you have the power to leave a legacy of hope and healing for families like Chloe’s.
Together, we can work toward a future where no child has to wait for the gift of life.