There’s a big sign up at NY Presbyterian Hospital that reads, “Amazing Things Are Happening Here“. And boy, it is so true!
I have some great news—our transplant coordinators say we clogged the phone lines with requests for donor evaluation forms! They have received an unbelievable amount of kidney donor applications for my daughter from all over the world–Africa, Saudi Arabia and every state in the US!
It ends up friends and friends of friends (as no one is a stranger, but just friends we haven’t met yet) posted about my search for a kidney donor to Marielle on Twitter, Facebook, web sites and blogs–it made the news (special thanks to Courtney on Fox News!)…and now we have more possible donors than we could have ever wished for! Thank you to EVERYONE who sent in donor forms, called, blogged, twittered and help spread the word…BUT WE DO NOT NEED ANY ADDITIONAL DONORS AT THIS TIME. I am amazed by the power of the web and the hearts of those who helped make a difference.
But that’s not the best news—although I can’t disclose her name just yet, ONE OF MY E-BAY FRIENDS WAS FOUND TO BE THE PERFECT MATCH! When I called my friend yesterday to tell her the news, she said it was the BEST Birthday present ever (to hear she was THE ONE on HER Birthday–THE ONE who may save my daughter’s life). I will give you just one hint: My dear friend has a serious fabric addiction just like me. I’ve seen her fabric stash…LOL!
Now, if all goes as planned and my friend makes it through the rest of her kidney donor testing (so far, all the important sensitivity tests are perfect), doctors want to schedule my daughter’s kidney transplant for the day after Christmas (my deceased Grandma’s birthday)! Doctors need to get Marielle in the best possible health before the transplant (she’s lost 1/10th her body weight and can’t walk more than a few steps). I can’t wait to let you know the full story–and how this is truly so special and meant to be. So stay tuned!
Although we brought Marielle home from NY Presbyterian Hospital last night, she is currently hooked-up to a dialysis machine for 4 hours at our local hospital as an outpatient. She continues to struggle with severe pain and high blood pressure. Yet, she is just happy to be home with her loved ones for Thanksgiving…even if it includes dozens of medications around the clock, dialysis and constant blood pressure monitoring.
To say we are blessed is an understatement. Please continue to say a little extra prayer that all goes according to plan. And yes, it will be a wonderful Thanksgiving at my house this year! May your home feel the love of the holiday season and be reminded how much we all have to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!
THE DOMESTIC DIVA'S DISASTERS™ 
I have goosebumps! I am so happy that you may have a perfect match for your Sunshine Girl! I will continue to pray for her and for the possible donor.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Just. Totally. Awesome.
Happy Thanksgiving!
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Now that is the BEST kind of news for Thanksgiving and beyond!!
I am so happy for your family, Lisa!!!
I am so happy for Marielle and your family! I will continue to keep you and your “friend” in my prayers.
God Bless
OH! I got tears in my eyes when you got to the great news!!! How exciting! Continued thoughts for the road ahead!
oh Lisa! I have goosebumps and am crying! I am praying SO HARD that “you know who” is the right match for Miss M! Guess I’ll drop a little something in the mail when Chops gets back with ink, LOL!
I love you girls so much and am so happy to hear that you finally have a little good news!!!!
I am so thrilled to hear this news! Marielle has been on my mind since I read about her on Patti Digh’s blog. I am proud to be one of the many who filled out a donor form. I am so glad it will be a very blessed Thanksgiving for you all.
I’m so happy that you found someone! Will keep you in our prayers here!
I am so happy for you and your little girl. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
That is the best news!! Hooray!!!!!
I am so happy for you, what wonderful news. I have only been following your story for a few days, but your family is inspiring and I couldn’t be happier for all of you!
Best wishes…
Lisa, this is the most wonderful news!!! What a great Thanksgiving and Christmas present all rolled into one. Now we’ll just all have to pray that Marielle can get into the best possible health soon and that your friend will be the right match. This is really great news and I’m so happy that you updated us all.
I check here several times every day to see if you have had any news. Please know that I think of you and Marielle every single day. What great news! I am so happy for you! 😀
I am still praying, praying, prayin!
That’s so wonderful! I’ve been hoping to see this kind of news from you! I pray everything goes well and that your lives can get back to normal very soon. Your daughter is so courageous and very strong. Happy Thanksgiving!!
I am so, so happy for you guys!
Praise the Lord! I am so happy to hear this, Lisa. 🙂
Christina
Abby*Lane
I am so excited for you. Praying that she meets all the criteria. What a wonderful Christmas present that would be!
What wondeful news!
Happy Thanksgiving!
This is such good news! Thanks for keeping us all updated. The power of social networking is so amazing. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving! Our prayers are with you.
George
My eyes are all teary for all the right reasons. I’m so glad that this network of artsy bloggers helped! Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the Sunshine Girl. There is now even more to be thankful for at Thanksgiving. xo, Fran
That just made my day…
I’m so very glad there’s a match and so very happy to hear that things are going well.
Marielle is in all of our prayers.
What a wonderful bit of Thanksgiving news!!!!
This is wonderful news! I am so happy for you and Marielle. I will continue to pray for all of you. Happy Thanksgiving!
AMAZING news!!!! What a miracle! We’ll be praying that everything goes as it should Lisa!
Wishing you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving! 🙂
Lots and lots of HUGS!
How wonderful indeed! Looking forward to hearing about her continued progress. Blessings to you all & have a beautiful Thanksgiving!
Hooray! What a blessing. So happy to hear the news!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Melissa
I can truly attest to the power of the human spirit traveling down the internet via Social Media is now truly been shown to be a blessing and inspiring to me.
Be Blessed Mom and Daughter and ALL the People who helped.
VERY happy to hear that you are one step closer. We’ve all been posting this on twitter and I know lots of other places. This is when the power of the Internet truly shines! It is amazing how this is coming together. ((HUGS)) and I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
My goosebumps have goosebumps. I’ll keep praying for your family. 🙂
Oh my gosh! I’m teary …. this is great news ….. I saw the message on twitter.
Lisa! Oh my goodness! I am so, so excited and my heart is just filled. Crossing my fingers and everything else that all the remaining tests get the needed results and that Marielle is able to meet her Dec. 26 date at the hospital.
xoxo
Oh my goodness! Sending prayers and good thoughts that everything matches and everything goes positively great!
Quite possibly the best Thanksgiving news ever. Keeping my positive thoughts headed your way.
What a beautiful Thanksgiving it is, you and your loved ones are in my thoughts!
I am so very very happy for all of you. keep my fingers crossed.
Wow!! We happened to see this message on Twitter and we are filled with so much Joy hearing your great news. Being parents of a child who is “medically fragile” ourselves, we know what you are going through. You radiate with positive energy and that truly is important in staying optimistic. This was a wonderful gift to come across your story. Sending much love and more positive energy your way.
Many Blessings….
Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~
YAY!!!!!!
This is wonderful news. Marielle is in my prayers… It is amazing how the web world pulled together for her! -Jen (@jenleereeves on twitter)
oh my goodness…that is so wonderful! have a great holiday with your WHOLE family!
Lisa, what an amazing blessing. How timely for the holidays and to have it be from someone you love, to someone you love, the news is truly miraculous. Can not wait to hear more and I know things will go swimmingly. You and yours are in my thoughts for the next few weeks.
A true gift and giving of thanks this Thanksgiving! The best to you, Marielle, and all of those people around the world who stepped forward with love and dedication.
dean and susan
I cried as I read this. I have been following just for a few days since it went out on twitter. The amazing response around the world just warms my heart. My prayers will be with you throughout this season. I am so glad a donor was found for your dear daughter.
Oh Lisa! I am sooo happy for you. I have been praying so hard for you and Ms M!
What an amazing gift!!
SO happy for you! :o)
I read this with tears streaming down my cheeks. I have faced health issues with my son and know the relief you are now feeling. This miracle is more than yours, thank you for sharing it with us.
Wonderful!!!
What a beautiful gift, and how appropriate for Thanksgiving. I’m so happy for you!!
I’m so glad to hear the wonderful news! Total goosebumps.
I could just cry over the good news!!! I’m soo happy for you and Marielle!!
Prayers for this to be the one!!!
Oh my gosh oh my gosh!!! WONDERFUL news – just in time for Thanksgiving!! Now I’m trying to guess which eBay gal it could be!! 😀
Have a blessed celebration tomorrow!
I don’t know you personally but i have been reading about your daughter for quite some time. THis post is such great news. I cried tears of joy and Thanked God for all these wonderful people that were so willing to help her. Your family is truly blessed. We will continue to pray for you and your daughter daily.
God is great! Now imagine what we could do if we all adopted just one person that needed a transplant and spread the word.
-Andre’a
Praise God above! I pray everything is clear sailing from here!
Well Lisa…you sure know how to make a bunch of grown women cry!
Here I am at work, cryin’ tears of joy!
Even though the road is still long, all looks positive! Bless all those wonderful people who have come forward to test for a match!
Lisa, remember……..never a day goes by that you and your family are not in the prayers and thoughts of many! The most positive thing is that your little girl has touched many lives…she may be sick, weak, and can only take a few steps, but she has the power to bring out the positive in such a situation. We have seen her smile, she shines in the photos of her that you have shared.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family, Lisa
Valerie
eyesofyellow@yahoo.com
London, Ontario, Canada
What a wonderful gift
Oh My Lisa….THANK GOD!!!!
This is wonderful news…and right before Thanksgiving!!! How wonderful that you had so many people that were willing to help you…and a big HUG to whomever Marielle’s donor Angel is….how absolutely WONDERFUL! You touch so many, Lisa with your sincerity! BIG, GIGANTIC, TIGHTLY SQUEEZED HUGS to you, Marielle and your family!!!!
*MUA*
WAHOOO!!! Praise God. I’m so happy for you all. This is definitely a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving. It’s so wonderful to see people from all walks of life come together for such a time as this.
Rejoicing to our heavenly Father for such a gift!
That is such wonderful news! I wish your family all the best!
I’m in a big puddle of tears reading your latest blog entry. Thank you for making me remeber what is important. God bless you and your family. Love, CJ
VERY Cool.
Our prayers are with your daughter and this wonderful donor that all will go well!
Best;
Eric Blackwell
Wonderful News! I will be praying all goes well and expediently. I know the feeling of having to wait till your loved one is well enough to undergo the transplant. You and your daughter have been thought of and prayed for often. Many blessings and good wishes.
M
I heard about your story on several blogs and Twitter, and I’m so glad to hear that you’ve found a match! What a tremendous blessing! Peace be with you and your family this Thanksgiving.
I read about you on Twitter and posted about you on my own site. I am so happy for you. And so thrilled to see the web used for good. Best of luck to you and your entire family. Talk about something to be thankful for…
How WONDERFUL!!!! You must be relieved ( to say the least)! I certainly hope that you and your family have a warm, happy and restful Thanksgiving! I wish Marielle the very best and will continue to pray for her in hopes that everything turns out alright.
Wonderful news! I am so happy for you all 🙂 You are in our prayers!
Twitter friend Artbyskym
I’m so happy to read your news.
My father has had two transplants … one from a non-related donor and one from me. So we know how distressing it can be to go through the wait and deal with the bureaucracies.
May Marielle’s surgery be as smooth as silk and a speedy recovery. It’s truly remarkable how quickly a person can recover.
Hopefully your story will also encourage some much needed changes to the way this really important issue is now handled in North America. And hopefully all those wonderful potential donors will extend their generous offers to the many others who are also in dire need of the gift of life.
All the best as you navigate the next chapter on this remarkable journey to health.
Lisa!!! What amazing news, I am weeping with joy that you have found an ideal match for Marielle. It’s honestly the best news I’ve heard in so long. How fitting that her match is someone from our incredible boutique community. I’m so overjoyed for you beyond words.
I love you dear friend,
Daria
XO
What amazing news!! Not only for Marielle but for the donation revoluton she has started! Thanks to her, so many more people are aware of organ transplantation! What a wonderful gift.
OH LISA!!! Wonderful Wonderful News!!!! I have tears of joy for you!! Of course we will continue to keep Marielle, you, Ron, Joey and your perfect match!! in our prayers!!! I’m so thrilled!! Happy Happy Thanksgiving!!
Love, Erika
WONDERFUL news, Lisa! I have tears in my eyes for you and your family.
HUGS,
Jacqueline
Wow. That is absolutely wonderful news!
So pleased that the outpouring of concern that spread throughout the world via the internet and other avenues found you a donor for Marielle. Better yet, someone close to your circle of friends.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers throughout this holiday season.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Máire
Lisa,
This is the BEST news and I’m crying tears of joy for your family! I’ll pray for smooth sailing with the whole process. This is yet another reason why I have the deepest love and respect for our little ebay community! Our gals never cease to amaze me with their generosity and love (but I think this takes the cake!).
Amazing. I’m soooo happy for Marielle and your family. I’m continuing to send tranquil thoughts and positive energy your way.
Peace and Blessings~
OMG I am so happy to hear that they have a possible match! I will pray for Marielle and the donor and that it all works out. What a wonderful Christmas present this will be!
PRAISE the LORD! I’m praying that tests continue to go well, and that the transplant can go off without a hitch!!
AWESOME!!! So glad to hear! Wish you all the best during the next steps
Good news, we need to keep it that way…
Best wishes, as always,
Federico (aka euskir)
Joining you in the happy dance!
What wonderful news. I will be Keeping all of you in my prayers, as I know you still have quite the journey ahead.
My prayers also go out to the others out there who are still looking for a match.
Lisa, I was so excited to look up at my twitter stream to see a RT of this incredible news. Praise God! I am not surprised but always amazed. Will continue to pray for Marielle, and now your friend!
Noelle
Happy Thanksgiving, happy birthday and Merry Christmas all rolled into one for you and your family. Congratulations. There are so many things that point to the fact that this will work. Have faith and hold tight, we are all thinking of you.
When I read this, I couldn’t help but literally jump out of my chair for joy, pumping my hands high into the air, and letting out a loud “YES!!!!!!” I’m so happy, and I’ll be sending you prayers, vibes, virtual lucky charms, and anything else I can in the hope that the transplant will happen, and will go smoothly! Give Marielle a hi-5 for me! I’m in tears after following your saga for so long, to have come to this point. Enjoy a most wonderful Thanksgiving!
how wonderful! I think I re-tweeted your request yesterday from one of my friends. This is an amazing story!
Lisa,
What WONDERFUL news! Praise God! I am so happy for you and Marielle. Happy Thanksgiving!
Oh please, oh please, oh please … something to be Thankful for, and here are a huge pile of prayers that everything goes exactly the way it should go
You guys have the best THANKSGIVING Ever! I wish you all the best!
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
— Ephesians 3:20-21
Oh my, this blog post has made my day! I am so happy for you and your Sunshine girl! I pray all will work out!! Blessings,
Amy M
I am so happy for you and your family. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Although our world may not be in the best of shape, times like this remind us all that we have very much to be thankful for each and every day. God Bless!
such hopeful news…I’ve been following your story and checking in daily…you’re in my prayers!! Happy Thanksgiving
That is just THE BEST NEWS! Congratulations and I hope the next month goes better than planned.
a match – how wonderful!!! i’ll be sure to share news of this blessing at our thanksgiving dinner tomorrow night. our family will be counting down to marielle’s successful transplant – and praying every step along the way. much love to you and your family.
Fantastic! Happy Thanksgiving.
A fantastic reason to give thanks!!!
I have been following your blog and your’s and Marielles journey for awhile now, although this is the first time I have left a comment. My 20yr old son often asks me how Marielle is doing after seeing her photo over my shoulder while I was on your blog a few months ago – he was saddened by her heath issues and was thankful for his own good health (also thought she was gorgeous!) Reading your news has put big smiles on our faces! Know that we think of you all often and hope that everything goes to plan and Marielle recovers speedily.
Hugs to you all 🙂
Congratulations – truly amazing, fantastic, magic. Happy thanksgiving.
wow…. thats amazing news..
so much to be thankfull for!
Somehow I knew it would be an ebay person! I am beyond thrilled for you guys. Whoever it is I am saying a special prayer for them today. Keep Marielle well so all can go as planned!
Love ya!
Kim
That’s wonderful news, I’m so happy for you guys!
I wish you guys the best & I pray it goes off without a hitch. Our children should never have to suffer like this.
This is just the best news! It made my holiday morning. I know we’ll all continue to send our thoughts and prayers, staying with you through the updates. It was amazing to hear that so many people joined in the search for a donor – it restores some of that battered faith in humanity!
Oh, I am thrilled to hear this amazing news!
I’ve been praying for your beautiful girl.
Hugs
Congratulations! This is truly amazing news, I will continue to keep your family in my prayers for a speedy and full recovery.
What fantastic news. Something so wonderful to celebrate on this Thanksgiving day. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so happy for you, your daughter, and your family! I saw a post about you on The Bloggess and I thought I’d come by for an update on your progress. It does not surprise me one bit that you had such an outpour of people willing to donate. It goes to show that people are still good!
oh yea!!!!!! This is the best news!! I a so happy for you all!! I’ve been praying and thinking about you all!!! What a wonderful thing! I hope you all have had a great Thanksgiving!!! What a joyous time of year!!
Trudi
WOW! That is so awesome! Congrats and keep us all updated. 🙂
– Cal
Congratulations!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and friends! 🙂
thank you so much for taking the time to post this! I am so happy to read this post. I am happy y’all are home tonight. What a wonderful Thanksgiving gift. Praying for His hand on your daughter.
many hugs.
I am elated over here & just filled with emotion. I cannot imagine what you all have been going through for so long. I have been praying so hard that a good match would be found. I cannot wait to hear the story and know who the wonderful donor will be. give your sunshine girl a HUGE hug for us! Happy Thanksgiving Lisa 🙂
I have tears in my eyes, I have been following your story and checking back often to see the status, to hear that you’ve found a good match is just fantastic.
I hope the rest of the journey rund smoothly and your sunshine girl is back out being a typical teenager again in no time.
Kathryn
My heart just skipped a beat as i read this tongiht! I am so incredibly happy for your whole family right now. I will continue to pray for your family. I am in awe of the response the hospital has seen since you said anybody could donate.
Please know we are all praying and sending love to you and your sunshine girl!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Beth
How awesome…And you couldn’t ask for a better thing to be thankful for!!!
Lisa – I am so so thrilled for all of you!!! Thank the Lord – and what a relief! God bless all of you – and this precious and generous donor!
Karen
That is fabulous news!!!!! I hope the rest of the testing goes well and everything is set for the day after Christmas!
Oh your post made me bawl! Thank God for this news!
oh Lisa, this is such wonderful news!!! I’m praying for Marielle, the potential donor and both families!
Congrats! It’s amazing what a network of contacts can do! My daughter was one of the lucky ones, an altruistic donor donated a kidney to her nearly two years ago – here’s our story as we searched for a donor http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=2167.0 – best of luck to you and Marielle, I hope all goes well!
Karol
I had a kidney transplant a year ago. My dear 19 yr old son gave me a kidney. I am so glad to read that it looks like you have found your daughter a kidney. She will be in my prayers. God is awesome.
Wow! I am so glad to hear the news!!!!!!! Please keep everyone posted. I just read the previous entry and my heart about fell out of my chest.
I just logged in specifically to check on things! I am SO SO SO happy and excited for you all. What a blessing!
Lisa, I am so happy for you and Marielle!! You must be so elated, I cannot imagine what you are feeling right now! I am so glad to hear this news – it is the best news I have heard in a while and just goes to prove that this world is still full of caring, unselfish and kind people. I will continue to pray that Marielle’s transplant is a success!!
I have thought of you all thanksgiving weekend….and am completely uplifted by your news. I’m amazed at the positive power of computers……Now I’m crossing my fingers for you that the donor will prove to be the perfect match and that you’re headed for a transformative holiday season. My very best mom support to you and your beautiful daughter. I hope she feels the outpouring of love and that it helps her make it through the pain.
Oh, I am so happy for Marielle and all of you!!!! I got chills reading this, and tears in my eyes. What AMAZING news!!!
Everywhere we traveled this Thanksgiving, from Texas to Michigan, I prayed that your precious daughter would get a match — God is Good!!! Praise GOD!!!!!!!!!
Wow ~ good work!
Love the power of the internet and the amazing things that can happen! Wishing you all a smooth journey ahead!
I am so happy for all of you!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful news! What a perfect holiday gift! I’ll continue to keep you in my thoughts and here’s hoping for good health for the upcoming surgery. All the best wishes!
How wonderful! I hope & pray things go well for you & your daughter……
From one mother to another….
AWESOME NEWS!!!
I’m so happy for your family! This is good news. I hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
I am thankful to God for you, thinking of you and your family and praying.
I was just going to fax in my form when I read your update. I am so happy for you and your daughter, and I pray it all goes well with your friend, and Marielle will receive her new kidney. Much love to you!
Still hope you’ve seen this woman’s genuine heart http://twitter.com/LindaWyatt/status/1021197972
Congrats! It’s wounderful news. Hope all goes well for your daugther. I myself i’m starting the process., and i have no idea of whats going to happen to me. I’m finding out that it’s hard when you’re alone and not sure how to handle things.
Good luck God Bless!
This is so g reat to read, me and my sister have been on dialysis for 8 and 6yrs since we were in HS. I wish our mom would have done something like this for us. But while being on dialysis my sister became a Dialysis Tech, and I am on the way to becoming an RN. However, you are a great mother and I wish the best for your beatiful daughter!
thanks! Hope you and your sister are doing well!