Kidney donor, recipient meet for first time since successful surgery at Children's Hospital
The reunion was “exactly what I was hoping and dreaming for,” Jodi said. (Credit: Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin)
MILWAUKEE -- Oakfield Elementary first-grader Natasha Fuller and Jodi Schmidt, a teacher at her school, got a chance on Friday, May 27th to see each other for the first time since surgery on Tuesday.
Schmidt donated a kidney to Natasha -- and officials at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin say both are doing well. Schmidt even went home on Friday afternoon.
Upon seeing Natasha, Jodi described her as “bright and smiley.” (Credit: Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin)
The following statement was issued by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and Medical College of Wisconsin on Friday:
"Thank you to Jodi for her incredibly brave decision, and thank you to all our doctors, nurses, and staff who helped make the transplant a success. We are so pleased that both Natasha and Jodi are doing so well, and we feel privileged we were part of this amazing journey. We encourage everyone to consider being an organ donor."
Natasha has been living with her grandparents in Oakfield so she could get the specialized treatment she needed in Milwaukee. Her parents and siblings live in Oklahoma.
Natasha Fuller and Jodi Schmidt (Credit: Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin)
Natasha Fuller and Jodi Schmidt (Credit: Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin)