Success Story

Sarah was born with Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease. To live, she underwent dialysis every other day to clean her body of waste products in her blood.

Sarah had a kidney transplant when she was two but rejected it within three months, requiring continued dialysis. Her parents were found guilty of medical negligence and Sarah became a ward of the state. A CASA volunteer was assigned to Sarah's case by the presiding judge.

Sarah was added to the waiting list for a kidney transplant that required a better match: her chances of rejecting the kidney were higher because of the antibodies her body created after the first transplant.

Sarah's CASA volunteer attended the monthly medical review meetings and grew concerned over the amount of time it was taking to find another kidney. Sarah's frequent infections created serious health concerns and a life-threatening situation.

Sarah's CASA volunteer suggested that the medical team evaluate the parents for a possible match. Because they are occasional drug users, they were previously disregarded. The volunteer encouraged the mother to go to the transplant team for an evaluation. The result: she was a 100% match.

Two months later, Sarah, now five-years-old and moved to Permanent Managing Conservatorship (PMC), received her mother's kidney. The transplant was successful. Sarah's CASA volunteer remains committed to her and watches her thrive. Sarah eats better, plays with other children, and goes to school regularly.

The fierce advocacy of Sarah's CASA-confident in her abilities to advocate on Sarah's behalf with the medical team treating her-gave Sarah a second lease on life.