Parsia Vagefi, M.D., Chief of Surgical Transplantation at UTSW.

When Kelly Rowe learned she was a candidate for UTSW’s Living-Donor Liver Transplantation Program, her mother, Lynell, offered to donate her liver. But she wasn't a match.

Arjmand Mufti, M.D., is the Founding Medical Director of the Living-Donor Liver Transplantation Program.

Mark Pedersen, M.D., Medical Director of UTSW’s Living-Donor Liver Transplantation Program.

Kelly was diagnosed at a young age with autoimmune hepatitis, a condition that attacks the liver and leads to long-term damage.

Marlyn Mayo, M.D., Professor of Internal Medicine in UTSW’s Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases.

Kelly led her high school track team to a state championship. "She is a dynamo and did not let her illness get her down," said Shannan Tujios, M.D., one of her doctors. "If you did not have her medical chart in front of you, you would never know the illnesses she’s had to manage and overcome."

Shannan Tujios, M.D., is Associate Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases.

Kelly (center) and her aunt Catinna (right) celebrated their one-year "liverversary" with Kelly's mother, Lynell, and other family members in June 2024.