Marisa Peterson

I was born with biliary atresia and had my first surgery at 2.5 mos. old. At age 11 years I had surgery to remove my spleen which put me into liver failure. I was transferred to the Univ. of Minnesota to be listed for a transplant. On April 30, 1988 I was told that they found a match and I would have my transplant. On May 1, 1988 I received the liver transplant that I desperately needed.

Thanks to my donor family my life has been extended by 30 years and counting!

I am forever grateful for my donor family, the Robertson’s of Indiana. They made the decision to donate their sons organs after he was seriously injured in an accident. In 1998 I was able to meet them for the first time.

I am forever grateful for their decision and have been able to experience many wonderful life events since including,

Participating/competing in dance and soccer

Graduating from high school and college

My siblings marriages

The birth of my nieces and nephews

Traveled the World

Competing in many Transplant Games

My own marriage to my husband, Andy

Becoming a Stepmom to 3 wonderful kids

Currently, I am completing my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education and my husband and I just bought our first home together.

Thanks to my donor family my life has been extended by 30 years and counting!