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Many news releases arrive in my email box, and I try to glance through most of them.
But one story this week caught my attention, and I read the whole thing — with some tears in my eyes.
It was about a little girl from Indiana who is now pursuing her dreams after suffering from kidney failure. She was fortunate to receive a kidney transplant in the nick of time with the help of the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA).
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COTA Kid Lydia Check |
Raising awareness
March is observed as National Kidney Month, which helps raise awareness about the importance of kidney health.
Some of my past and present family members have experienced kidney problems, so I know how important it is to check your kidney function and keep alert to what’s happening.
I’ve also signed my driver’s license to donate all organs, tissues, and eyes upon my death.
Back to the story about the girl from Indiana. Paula and David Check of Fishers, Ind., remember the excitement of learning they were pregnant with their first child. The pregnancy was normal, and baby Lydia arrived in December of 2009. She was reportedly an adorable infant who grew into a toddler, her first years of life seeming normal to her parents.
She became sick
But during the summer of 2014, Paula noticed that then four-year-old Lydia was becoming increasing sick, tired, and weak. She experienced more severe symptoms, and by September of 2015, it was determined that Lydia had a serious kidney issue that would require a transplant.
Her mother called COTA, which provides funds for the lifetime of transplant-related expenses.
A group of family members and friends got to work organizing fundraisers to help with the mounting expenses. According to Paula, COTA’s team of professionals was supportive, encouraging, and very helpful every step of the journey.
New lease on life
Lydia finally had a kidney match and received a new kidney. She returned to school and resumed her beloved dance classes. She also loves singing, cheerleading, and telling the story of her transplant journey.
Lydia’s new lease on life has allowed her to start dreaming about a future.
More than 30 million Americans have kidney disease, and many do not know it. There are more than 100,000 people waiting for kidney transplants.
You can visit www.RegisterMe.org to indicate your wish to be a life-saving donor or email kim@cota.org to find out more about COTA or find a COTA family in your area.