RANDOLPH - The Western New York Kidney Connection is celebrating yet another success story.
"Since we've had so much support surrounding our American Girl Christmas Tea Party, I thought it would be nice to give an example of exactly what money raised for the WNY Kidney Connection does," said Jeanette Ostrom, director.
On Nov. 12, 4-year-old Rosie Thrasher-Miller from Randolph received a kidney she needed from a complete stranger who found her through the Western New York Kidney Connection website.
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"She was so very sick and weak and desperately needed a kidney," said Ostrom. "A newspaper where she lives printed her story and many people came forward."
Thrasher-Miller has her story listed on the Kidney Connection's website for all to see. Her story, as posted on the website, is as followed:
"I am a identical twin. My sister has had two heart surgeries in Rochester. My mom spends most of her time at the doctor's or in hospitals with us. I have a 4-year-old sister and one that is 13. My only brother is 16. We were born in Dec. 2008. Mom was told that I was not going to make it, but she refused to stop fighting, and neither have I. My blood type is "O." My transplant is going to be done at Pittsburgh Children's Hospital as soon as we find a kidney. I had one that was a match but the man changed his mind. I am sure this happens but, the man was my biological father. I guess that is what makes it so disappointing. Thanks for taking the time to read my story."
Currently, Thrasher-Miller is in good condition and is scheduled to remain in Pittsburgh Children's Hospital until Christmas. Her mother, Virginia, is by her side every moment while she recovers.
"The kidney connection is what found the donor," said Virginia. "They connected with people they knew and that's how her donor was found. She has to stay down here for a while because of the medications she's on. However, she won't be in the hospital, she just won't be able to leave the Pittsburgh area."
Because Rosie was an identical twin, during her gestation, her twin sister took all of a fluid, which caused Rosie's kidneys not to grow, according to Virginia. The term for what Rosie was born with is called bi-lateral hypoplastic kidneys, which means they're very small and will not grow.
However, now that Rosie has received a transplant, Rosie's future looks bright.
"According to the surgeons down here, she's a Volkswagen that got a Ferrari engine," said Virginia. "She's expected to do extremely well going forward."
"Rosie now has hopes of a happy childhood and living a normal life because of a complete stranger," said Ostrom. "I am so proud to have been a part of it and it gives me reason to continue on my mission with the Kidney Connection. I hope it will restore the faith of those who have negative comments about us."
Those who are interested in donating to help Rosie recover may do so by sending a check to the following location: Cattaraugus County Bank, 42 Main St., Randolph, NY 14772. Please make checks payable to Levi Miller and write on memo line: donation for Rosie Thrasher-Miller.