North Tonawanda Teen Swimmer Battles for Life Amid Urgent Liver Transplant Search

Top New York Swimmer Fights for Life After Sudden Liver Failure Diagnosis

A 17-year-old North Tonawanda High School swimmer is in critical condition at the University of Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital after being diagnosed with acute liver failure caused by Wilson’s disease, a rare hereditary disorder that leads to toxic copper buildup in the liver.

Meredith Roberts’ medical crisis began on Halloween when she noticed dark-colored urine. After multiple hospital visits and extensive testing, doctors confirmed the diagnosis. The disease has already caused significant liver scarring, prompting her addition to the most urgent 1A transplant category—reserved for patients whose only chance of survival is a rapid organ replacement.

Her parents, Sara and Mike Roberts, said the illness was the result of a genetic mutation inherited from both sides of the family. Doctors told them that the progression had likely been silently occurring for some time before symptoms appeared.

Meredith is described as a top-performing student, musician, and athlete. She has been a standout on the North Tonawanda swim team, ranking as the state’s number one breaststroker and earning a spot to compete at the state level for a fourth consecutive year. She had recently committed to Fairfield University where she planned to continue her swimming career at the Division I level.

Now, her family and community are urgently searching for a living liver donor with O positive blood. Friends, classmates, and teammates have flooded social media with prayers, tributes, and offers of support.

Her mother said the messages of love have given the family hope amid unimaginable uncertainty. The Roberts family continues to share updates from Pittsburgh as they wait for a donor match.

Those wishing to help can apply to become a living liver donor through the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s transplant program: https://livingdonorreg.upmc.com

A verified GoFundMe has been created to assist the Roberts family with medical and travel expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-north-tonawanda-teen-in-need-of-liver-donor

Supporters can send get-well cards directly to Meredith through the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's online portal: https://ecards.upmc.com

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North Tonawanda Teen Swimmer Battles for Life Amid Urgent Liver Transplant Search