Éveline's Story

Éveline was stable enough to move, but she was far from out of the woods. Her little life was completely sustained by medical intervention. On top of her many complications, Éveline had a collapsed lung and broken femur at birth. The ICU doctors gave her 24 hours to survive. She wasn't ready to give up yet, and through many prayers, Éveline kept fighting. On day 3 she had surgery to put in a dialysis catheter. On Day 6 she started Peritoneal Dialysis. Day after day, surgery after surgery, set back after set back, Éveline continued to fight, her parents and family continued to fight and pray. And then miracle after miracle happened, Éveline grew and got stronger, her lungs started to heal, and after 2 long months on a ventilator, she started to breathe on her own and only needed oxygen support. Her leg started to heal, and her medication requirements went down, we would finally be leaving the ICU after 3 very long months. 

Life at home with Éveline was no easy task, she required home oxygen, a feeding tube, several specially timed medications throughout the day, bladder catheterizations, dressing changes (no baths with a dialysis catheter), physical and occupational therapy and nightly dialysis. Having such a fragile immune system also lead to several infections and many more hospital stays. Life was hard but so worth it. 

But she was home, and she thrived off her siblings' energy and love. Although Éveline spent most of her first year in and out of the hospital, she was able to celebrate her first birthday at home, and then so many more milestones. Éveline's next year was a whirlwind, her first steps, coming off oxygen support, becoming a Dream Factory Kid, meeting all her appropriate age milestones, her 2nd birthday and getting 'approved' for transplant all as we navigated COVID, along with the rest of the world. By the grace of God Éveline has defied all odds and is our walking, talking miracle. 

On March 10 2022, #WorldKidneyDay, Éveline received her gently used kidney from her Daddy. Surgery went amazingly well, better than anyone expected, even the doctors. Éveline was awake and asking for her teddies only 20 minutes after. We spent 2 weeks in hospital, which included battling our first infection. Even with a few set backs transplant went beautifully, Éveline surpassed everyone's expectations. By the grace of God she is continuing to get stronger and back to her happy, energetic self. Any kind of transplant brings on a new life, new medications, new routines, and as we adjust to our new life we are so grateful that this has been our story so far. As a parent you would do anything for your child, including giving up an organ, this experience has given a new understanding of the importance of organ donation and the amazing work done by The Gift of Life Program of Manitoba.