Burlington High Athlete Joins Kidney Transplant List

Varsity soccer player Mariella Desjardin is now active on the national transplant waiting list.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Philanthropy

Burlington High Athlete Joins Kidney Transplant List

Burlington High School freshman and varsity soccer defender Mariella Desjardin was officially activated on the kidney transplant waiting list on Oct. 9. She had previously remained on the inactive list for five years due to a congenital kidney disease.

Why it matters

The transition to active status represents a critical step forward in Desjardin’s health journey after 14 years of awaiting a potential donor match. Her varsity soccer teammates have rallied around her, dedicating their final home game to her and organizing local fundraising efforts.

Desjardin spent five years on the inactive transplant waiting list before reaching active status. The athlete has been managing her condition for a total of 14 years.

The players

Mariella Desjardin

She is a freshman at Burlington High School who plays as a defender on the varsity girls' soccer team.

Burlington High School

This educational institution serves the local community and is where Desjardin competes in athletics.

The details

Desjardin is a freshman at Burlington High School and a member of the varsity girls' soccer team. Her teammates have been conducting ongoing fundraisers throughout the current season to support her and her family during the transplant process.

Oct. 9, 2026: Mariella Desjardin became active on the transplant waiting list.
Oct. 17, 2026: The team plays their final home game at 3:30 p.m.

Market Landscape

This story follows the standard administrative protocols established by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network for patient activation. It reflects the broader landscape of organ donation where patients often face multi-year waits before qualifying for active status.

Residents of Burlington can support Desjardin by participating in the ongoing school-sponsored fundraisers for her medical costs. These efforts provide critical financial assistance to students and families navigating the complexities of long-term medical treatment.

The takeaway

Navigating a long-term chronic illness often requires both medical intervention and robust social support networks. Community-led initiatives like those organized at Burlington High School serve as vital lifelines for students facing complex health challenges.