From SPLIT to the White House: The Fight For Life Club's Mission to Save Children
In an inspiring display of commitment to pediatric health, the Fight For Life Club Foundation has successfully facilitated three living donor liver transplants for critically ill children within just three months. This monumental achievement becomes even more significant in light of Mexico's challenges with deceased donor access, making living donations crucial in the battle against liver failure.
The Fight For Life Club's recent efforts not only showcase medical advances but also highlight the poignant stories of hope and resilience that stem from these lifesaving procedures. Honorably recognized at the 29th Annual Meeting of the Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT) earlier this May, the organization’s impact resonated globally, culminating in an invitation to the White House to participate in a high-profile event dedicated to saving children's lives.
A Collaborative Mission
José Manuel Cadena Ortiz de Montellano, the President of the Fight For Life Club Foundation, emphasized during the SPLIT 2025 conference that
“Collaboration is the only way we can fulfill our mission to give our children a second chance to live.” His words echo the collective efforts of various leaders dedicated to improving pediatric health outcomes around the world. Each child saved symbolizes the potential for progress when compassion, medicine, and a shared purpose come together.
At SPLIT, where some of the most respected pediatric hepatologists and surgeons gathered from over 20 countries, the achievement of performing three living donor transplants is a powerful testament to the effectiveness of this model. The acknowledgment of the Foundation's methodologies at such an esteemed platform reveals the growing recognition and support for their meaningful work.
Recognition at the White House
The Fight For Life Club's visit to the White House was a pivotal moment, not just for the organization but for everyone dedicated to pediatric healthcare. In attendance were several prominent figures who share a profound commitment to saving children's lives:
- - Dr. Manuel Rodríguez-Dávalos, President of SPLIT and the primary surgeon handling the Foundation's pediatric cases.
- - Dr. Magdy Attia, who leads the Liver Transplant Program at TransMedics and has revolutionized preservation and transportation methods for organ transplant.
- - Dr. Gabriel Gondolesi, Director of Pediatric Liver Transplantation, who champions access to transplant services across Latin America.
- - Brittany Mumm, the chair of the SPLIT’s committee focusing on families, who plays a crucial role in ensuring that the voices of families are heard in transplant policy.
Additionally,
Yaret Álvarez Perdigón represented a community of supporters, as her company, Persea Apothecary, donates a portion of its proceeds to fund pediatric transplants, thus integrating social responsibility into a thriving business model.
Impact and Future Goals
Each operation funded by the Fight For Life Club signifies a renewed future for children who were once at great risk. The Foundation actively supports logistics for donors, covers surgical costs, and provides care post-transplant, ensuring these children receive the holistic support they need.
The organization is inviting the public to join this noble cause. Donations of any size contribute directly to lifesaving measures—whether it be securing the next transplant or supporting the medical teams involved in these heroic endeavors.
Anyone interested in making a tangible difference in a child's life can visit
www.fightforlifeclub.org to donate.
With each step, the Fight For Life Club continues to embody the belief that every child deserves a chance at life, proving that together, we can turn hope into action.