Utah’s first pediatric paired liver exchange saves two young girls
Sep 27, 2025, 9:00 AM
From right to left, Annie Larrabee, Marissa Kauffman, Elie Tibbs, Justin Tibbs pictured on Sept. 26, 2025. (Emma Benson/KSL TV)
(Emma Benson/KSL TV)
SALT LAKE CITY — When Justin and Jasmyn Tibbs from St. George found out their seven-month-old daughter, Elie — who had a rare liver disorder called biliary atresia — needed a transplant, Justin immediately volunteered.
But the portion of his liver they needed was too big for Elie’s body.
At the same time, 15-year-old Marissa Kauffman from Lehi was being treated for another rare liver disease — primary sclerosing cholangitis — and also needed a transplant.
“Not a soul in our family matched,” said Tara Kauffman, Marissa’s mom.
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The Kauffmans’ neighbor, Annie Larrabee, stepped up to donate.
“Immediately it came to me, like, I need to do this,” Larrabee said. “I just had this prompting that I should do it.”
But her liver was too small.
So, doctors at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital came up with a paired exchange — Justin would donate to Marissa, and Annie would donate to Elie.
“Essentially all we’re doing is swapping or exchanging organs,” said Dr. Jean Botha, director of liver transplantation for Intermountain Health.
The surgeries took place in July. Doctors said it was Utah’s first pediatric paired liver exchange.
“He didn’t only get to contribute in saving our daughter, he got to help save another pretty beautiful girl as well,” said Jasmyn Tibbs.
Elie and Justin are pictured after both of their surgeries. (Photo courtesy: Tibbs family)
The families met on Friday, Sept. 26, for the very first time.
“We heard a lot about them, so it was really nice meeting them,” Marissa Kauffman said.
“I feel very connected with them just for going through all of this, because it’s a tough thing to go through,” Tara Kauffman said.
Both girls are doing well — now 16-year-old Marissa is getting back into soccer, and now nine-month-old Elie is adored by all.
Marissa Kauffman is pictured in an undated photo. (Photo courtesy: Kauffman family)
“It’s kind of crazy. When I look at her — part of me is her. So that’s really awesome,” Larrabee said.
“I anticipate doing holidays and birthdays and liverversaries together, and just making it a family affair. I’m grateful for liver givers and I’m thankful for our new family,” Jasmyn Tibbs said.
Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital’s pediatric liver transplant program performs about 15 transplants each year. For more information on the program, visit this website.
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