Sera

My daughter Sera is living proof of how powerful a second chance at life can be.

In November 2024, a 21-year-old stranger gave her the ultimate gift, a healthy kidney. That gift didn’t just save her life, it gave her spark back.

Sera’s medical journey began the day she was born. A placental abruption during pregnancy left her without oxygen for a critical amount of time, causing severe organ damage. Her kidneys never recovered. From the very start, she’s faced feeding difficulties, chronic infections, long hospital stays, and eventually peritoneal dialysis. Through it all, Sera has met every challenge with a smile and incredible grit.

By age 10, her kidney function had dropped to 21%. She couldn’t gain weight, guzzled water constantly, and needed frequent naps. She was still sweet and spirited, but I could see the toll it was taking. We were watching her fade. Even her teacher noticed the spark in her eyes had dimmed.

None of our family members were a match for a kidney transplant, so we turned to our community. Through social media and word of mouth, our story reached Alex Hamm, a young railroad worker who, after watching his own mother go through two transplants, felt moved to help. He turned out to be a perfect match.

On November 7, 2024, Sera and Alex walked hand-in-hand into UK HealthCare’s Albert B. Chandler Hospital. The transplant, performed by Dr. Alexander Ancheta, was a success. I remember the moment she woke up, she was in pain and crying, but I saw it immediately: her color, her glow. I thought to myself, She looks so good. It was like watching her come back to life.

Just six days later, she was home.

Post-transplant life has brought many changes, daily medications, extra precautions, and regular follow-ups but the difference in Sera is nothing short of miraculous. She’s gained weight, grown taller, and most importantly, she’s full of energy and joy again.

Today, Sera receives care from a wonderful team at Kentucky Children’s Hospital nephrology, infectious disease, and several therapies all working together to keep her healthy. We continue to monitor things like proteinuria, histoplasmosis, and the effects of immunosuppressive therapy. It’s not easy, but Sera is strong. She’s brave. And she’s thriving.

Her journey isn’t over she’ll need lifelong medications and will always have to avoid high-risk activities. But thanks to a selfless donor, an incredible medical team, and the support of those who love her, she’s been given something every child deserves: a future.

As her doctor, Dr. Kiessling, says, “Sera and the new bean get along just fine.” And that, to me and her dad, is everything.

Thank you Alex!