Baby Kareena was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a rare and life-threatening liver disease that affects the bile ducts. Her condition became critical, and doctors determined she needed a liver transplant. She was given just 24 to 48 hours to live.
A donor match was soon found in Tennessee, but planes across the country were grounded following the terrorist attacks, and getting the liver to Houston suddenly became an enormous challenge.
Kareena, now 25-years-old told, told ABC13, "After amazing team work by Texas Children's, by air traffic control, the Air National Guard, Tennessee Donor Services, the donor family... they all worked together to get permission to get my liver to me and luckily I was able to have a successful transplant that day.
Dr. John Goss, Medical Director of Transplant Services at Texas Children's, performed Kareena's transplant.
On September 11, 2026, exactly 25 years after Kareena received her new liver, she and Goss reunited at Texas Children's.
"It's great to see the children grow up after transplantation and grow to achieve what they were meant to achieve," Goss said.
Kareena added, "I am so grateful to all the people who worked together to get me my liver. I'm very aware of the privilege."
For Goss, Kareena's story remains a powerful reminder of the light that emerged on one of the darkest days in American history.
"That day is obviously a tragic event for our country, but at the same time, to me it shows good will win in the end," Goss said. "Even in the worst situation, there is still good that will come out of things."