Danilia “Amor” Aquino was born prematurely at 26 weeks in Orlando on August 26, 2019, showing early signs of liver disease. Within months, she was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a rare, life-threatening condition that only appears in infants, threatening her survival.
Her local hospital performed the Kasai procedure, removing problematic bile ducts and attaching her small intestine to the liver. Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful, leading to worsening complications and requiring 54 days of intubation.
Danilia’s parents, Jennifer Cotto and Daniel Aquino, were advised to seek evaluation for a liver transplant at the Miami Transplant Institute. The family met Dr. Jennifer Garcia, MTI’s medical director of pediatric transplant services, and instantly connected with her and the multidisciplinary team experienced in complex pediatric cases.
Because of her prematurity and liver failure, Danilia was extremely undernourished and required total parenteral nutrition via IV to maintain her body weight. The specialized care aimed to stabilize her, increase transplant candidacy, and support her growth until a donor became available.
Just nine days before their wedding, Danilia’s parents returned home with their fragile daughter. Soon after, she suffered an aggressive gastrointestinal bleed, common among biliary atresia patients, necessitating airlift transport to Holtz Children’s PICU.
Dr. Asumthia Jeyapalan and the multidisciplinary critical care team monitored Danilia closely amid COVID-19 restrictions. They ensured she could tolerate transplant surgery while addressing risks associated with infection and her multi-organ failure.
Family-centered care at Holtz Children’s enabled her parents to be fully involved in her treatment. Support from Child Life and Music Therapy allowed them to participate in recovery and maintain emotional connection during the intensive care period.
Danilia faced infections, septic episodes, intubation, oscillator support, and kidney dialysis, limiting her chances for successful transplantation. Her parents rotated shifts, ensuring constant presence and advocacy, providing both comfort and critical support to the medical team.
In April 2020, Danilia was listed on the national transplant registry, but she became critically ill shortly thereafter. With less than 72 hours to live, her family feared losing her as the situation worsened.
On June 16, the life-saving call came: a donor liver was available for Danilia. Despite her multi-organ failure and non-functioning intestines, the transplant team took a calculated risk to operate and save her life.
The 12-hour surgery was complicated by kidney failure, adding another layer of concern for her parents and medical team. A specialized pediatric dialysis machine was employed, allowing gradual recovery and eventual restoration of kidney function.
Over the following months, Danilia slowly regained her strength and independence. She began breathing on her own, her nutrition stabilized, and neurological development continued without setbacks, reflecting careful monitoring and dedicated care.
After 10 months of hospitalization, Danilia was finally ready to return home. Dr. Jayanthi Chandar praised her resilience and her parents’ optimism, highlighting the crucial role of family engagement in pediatric recovery.
Upon discharge, 16-month-old Danilia received a surprise visit from Mickey and Minnie Mouse, celebrating her return to Orlando. The joyful moment symbolized triumph over immense medical challenges and a fresh start for the family.
Danilia’s journey underscores the extraordinary impact of specialized pediatric transplant care and multidisciplinary coordination. From emergency interventions to post-transplant rehabilitation, every step contributed to her survival and thriving health.
Her story also highlights the emotional and logistical challenges families face with critically ill children, especially during a global pandemic. Faith, perseverance, and trust in medical teams were integral to navigating these hurdles.
The combination of MTI expertise, Holtz Children’s intensive care, and family involvement created a holistic approach that maximized Danilia’s recovery potential. Her case demonstrates how advanced pediatric medicine and compassionate care intersect to save lives.
From initial diagnosis of biliary atresia to post-transplant stability, Danilia exemplifies courage, resilience, and the life-changing potential of organ transplantation. Her parents’ unwavering support and advocacy were key to her survival.
Danilia’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of organ donation and pediatric transplant programs. Each milestone, from stabilizing her liver function to breathing independently, represents medical innovation and hope.
Now home and healthy, Danilia is free from the tubes, dialysis, and medical devices that once dominated her life. Her recovery allows her to grow, play, and experience a normal childhood alongside her family.
The story of Danilia Aquino celebrates triumph over life-threatening illness, the power of faith, and the transformative impact of expert pediatric care. It serves as inspiration to families and healthcare providers facing similar challenges.
Her journey illustrates the resilience of young patients and the dedication of medical professionals who go above and beyond to provide comprehensive care. Every intervention, therapy, and parental advocacy moment contributed to her remarkable outcome.
Danilia’s survival highlights how holistic, multidisciplinary approaches in pediatric transplantation can restore not only health but also hope and opportunity for a full childhood. Her life is a testament to medical perseverance, expertise, and human compassion.