An Enon girl, who is not even two years old, recently received a successful liver transplant.

Claire Kaufman was born in October 2011 with biliary artresia, which means her bile ducts were blocked with no developed connection to her intestines.

But through the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, Claire received a life-saving new liver at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital earlier this year.

“I will forever be grateful for my daughter’s donor who had a huge spirit because my Claire is even brighter than she was,” said her mother, Leah Moliengo. “We got the best Valentine’s gift ever.”

But there was a complication after the surgery. She was tested positive for norovirus on January 21, so she was not discharged from the hospital until February 11. The norovirus is highly contagious, so she must stay in isolation at home.

But her parents, including her dad Kevin Kaufman, are hopeful for the future. According to COTA representatives, Claire is more active and playful than ever before.

“It makes me feel good when I go in to her room in the morning, and she’s all smiles. She’s even willing to play in her crib and play for an hour before getting up,” said Moliengo.

The young family is beset with transplant-related expenses, so funds are being raised for COTA so the organization can help the Kaufman family and other children who are in need of transplants or transplant-related assistance. COTA’s services are free to these families, so parents and others can focus on getting their child healthy without the added stress of financial burdens.

Friends, family members and sometimes total strangers have been helping the Kaufman family with expenses.

For more information about how to help, visit www.COTAforClaireK.com.