Support Julissa's Journey to a Healthy Future

Julissa Vargaz, a lively, jubilant 13-year-old girl, recently received a life-altering diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis. Unlike viral hepatitis (A, B, C), this is a rare condition where one’s own body attacks the liver. Everyone who knows Julissa personally was rocked by this news. There is no reason as to why this happened; it is something that can happen to anyone. There is nothing she did or did not do to cause this disease. It is simply a matter of being the hand that life dealt. While receiving the diagnosis was devastating, the diagnosis helped to explain Julissa’s stomach problems, fatigue, issues with concentrating in school, and other unexpected health issues that began during her last year of middle school.

In September 2024, Julissa was emergency transported to Children’s Hospital after receiving devastating lab results. The team of doctors discovered splenomegaly (an enlarged spleen) and the presence of thrombocytopenia and hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). These complications are the result of end-stage liver disease, and the only “cure” for her liver cirrhosis with ascites is a liver transplant.

On December 4, 2024, Julissa received news of being officially placed on the transplant list. A transplant will SAVE HER LIFE and allow her to experience the things that other teenagers look forward to, such as spending time with friends and family and attending school! Currently, her complications have greatly impacted her ability to do these things. In spite of it all, Julissa continues to wear a smile on her face each day. She is now eagerly awaiting the phone call telling her a liver is available.

With that being said, there are numerous medical bills and expenses, ranging from the procedures, hospital stays, medications, continuous labs, and tests that are on the horizon for her.

This page was created to support her through this difficult time. If you or anyone you know would be interested in applying to be a live donor, please contact us. Please share to spread the word. We are rallying all of Julissa's support group, her community friends, neighbors, and others as any type of donation is appreciated and your continued prayers are needed.

We thank everyone for all of your support, thoughts, and prayers during this challenging time.

Venmo : @Ashley_Dantzler

CashApp: $ANDantzler