As we approach this season of hope and renewal, I’ve been reflecting on the extraordinary journey our family has been on since we received our Christmas miracle nearly seven years ago. That miracle was the gift of a kidney transplant, given to Matt by a selfless, Christ-like individual who stepped forward in our greatest time of need. This person didn’t just save one life; they saved an entire family, and we are eternally grateful.
Last week, I received a text from someone whose brother-in-law is in need of a kidney transplant. Their story of organ failure immediately brought me back to where we were seven years ago—clinging to hope and waiting for a miracle we weren’t sure would come. It inspired me to reengage after years away from social media and share this update, which may bring hope and life to others. Despite the state of the world, I believe there are many more Christmas miracles yet to come and countless lives still to be saved. I feel called to share our story in the hope of inspiring good in this world.
What many don’t know is that before Matt’s need for a kidney—and my dad’s passing from kidney failure just six weeks before Matt’s diagnosis—we endured years of an emotionally and physically grueling battle to grow our family. We underwent eight fertility treatments, many through IVF, desperately hoping for the baby we dreamed of, only to face heartbreaking miscarriages each time. The emotional toll was immense, and the physical toll was equally severe—I gained over 100 pounds from countless hormone treatments. Just as we thought that chapter had closed, I became pregnant naturally, only to experience another devastating miscarriage.
Through that heartbreak, however, we were blessed with the miraculous journey of adoption—a gift of life we didn’t even know was waiting for us. Our precious children, who were always meant to be ours, found their way to us through this incredible, humbling process. They are living proof that love transcends biology and that miracles can take forms we never imagined. Despite the struggles, these children have been the light of our lives, and watching them grow into exceptional teenagers fills us with gratitude every single day.
At the time, however, the weight of those losses left me searching for answers. When my doctor suggested what was pitched as the “Rolls-Royce of weight loss,” Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, I jumped at the chance to reclaim my health and future. But instead of healing, I endured years of complications that affected every aspect of my life in ways I couldn’t fully explain. I felt as though I was fading while pretending I was fine. I lost my authentic self, and the cause of my symptoms remained a mystery. Eventually, I couldn’t fake it anymore and was advised to step away from the distraction of social media.
While I was offline, my accounts remained active, and occasionally, I would see posts from family and friends. Those glimpses inspired me to carry on. Whether through your stories of struggle or moments of joy, you reminded me that perseverance and hope can shine even in the darkest times. Thank you. Your strength gave me the courage to find my own.
Answers to my health crisis finally came when a friend connected us with an out-of-town doctor who identified what others had missed. After nearly a decade of silent suffering, I underwent corrective surgery in March 2023. While the damage caused by years of being "lost in the system" may not be fully reversible, I am finally on the path to healing. Along the way, I’ve learned many unexpected yet miraculous lessons.
Through all of this, one thing has remained constant: Matt. I don’t know how we could have endured this journey without him. Seven years ago, God graced us with a new kidney for Matt through living organ donation. Because of this selfless act, my rock has been able to stand by our family during its toughest times. Matt’s strength has been our anchor, and his resilience has allowed us to support one another and build a future together.
We may never fully grasp the extent of the good that will come from Matt’s kidney donor’s sacrificial act, but during this season of giving, we are continually reminded of its profound impact. This Christmas miracle remains close to our hearts as we lift up prayers for humanity—especially for living kidney donors and recipients, for the health and safety of families around the globe, and for all those facing hardship and in need of forgiveness, healing, and peace.
This Christmas season, I challenge you to pause—to reflect on the grace we’ve received in our own lives—and consider doing something selfless for others. It doesn’t have to be as extraordinary as donating a kidney; even small acts of kindness, like a smile or a helping hand, can make a difference. Perhaps it’s taking your family to church this Christmas Eve to celebrate the first Christmas miracle and reconnect with the true meaning of the season.
As I look back on these past seven years, I’ve come to realize how important it is to share our story. Many people are waiting for a kidney or facing life-changing struggles, and they need to know that Christmas miracles are real—that they are worth fighting for. There are those who need to hear that their pain is valid, and there are others who are willing and able to help. I encourage anyone who feels called to explore the life-changing possibility of organ donation. You could be someone’s Christmas miracle—the answer to prayers they don’t even know how to voice yet.
While the scars of this journey remain, so does our gratitude. To Matt’s kidney donor, who remains humbly anonymous: your selfless act gave Matt life, gave our family a future, and inspires us daily. To our friend and neighbor: your compassion and network saved us. To those who rallied around us during my health crisis and Matt’s transplant: your gifts of unwavering love and generosity will never be forgotten.
To everyone reading this, may you be reminded this season of the incredible power of faith, sacrifice, and hope. No matter what crises we face, Christmas miracles do happen. We experienced one firsthand on Christmas Eve seven years ago when we received the call from Mayo that Matt’s kidney donor was a perfect match. So for the sake of future generations, let us reflect on the magic of Christmas miracles and just BELIEVE.
If you feel inclined to explore living kidney donation or know someone seeking kidney transplant resources, we’ve updated the website we originally created for Matt to help others: ourdaddyneedsakidney.com.
With love this Christmas and always.
Ilona