Student Receives Kidney From Kindergarten Teacher


An Ohio student received a kidney from her kindergarten teacher and is recovering well from the transplant. Eight-year-old Nicole Miller received the new kidney from Wendy Killian, who taught Nicole’s kindergarten class last year.

Nicole was born with only one kidney and has suffered related illness throughout her short life. A genetic disorder caused her existing kidney to malfunction, often leaving her weak and disoriented.

As reported by the Huffington Post, Nicole missed a lot of school through the years as she waited for a compatible donor. Nicole’s parents Brian and Letitia grew more concerned for their daughter’s health, which started to rapidly decline.

She was already taking the maximum dosage of her medication, and her blood pressure remained abnormally high. Eighteen potential donors, including Nicole’s parents, had been ruled unsuitable, and they feared they were running out of options.

The kidney eventually came from an unexpected source. Nicole’s kindergarten teacher approached the family and asked to be tested for compatibility.

Wendy Killian was tested and determined to be a suitable donor. Nicole and her family are thankful that Killian made a sacrifice that may have saved their daughter’s life.

As reported by Mansfield News Journal, Killian was inspired as her own son suffered illness as an infant. Blood platelets, donated to her son, saved his life. She contends that she is happy to be able to help another family as someone helped hers.

Nicole received the kidney from her kindergarten teacher early last week. The transplant was a success, and Nicole and Wendy are both recovering well. Nicole has named her new kidney “Sid.”

In his blog, Nicole’s father has reported that “her kidney functions have just continued to improve and she is rockin.'” He also shares a text they received from Killian regarding her recovery. The message states:”I am humbled and blessed to be a part of this miracle. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat after seeing her (Nicole) yesterday. God is so good.”

Nicole may continue to struggle as her body adapts to the new organ, but she and her family are forever thankful that her kindergarten teacher selflessly donated her kidney.

[Images via Miller Family blog]

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