ATLANTA, Ga.-- The familiar notes of "Happy Birthday" ring through the hospital cafeteria at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Quinn Roberts wanted a big costume party celebration. Instead, she's told she can't light her candles. "Will my wish still come true?" she wonders.
She's celebrating here for a reason: her biggest gift comes tomorrow.
"Well, my birthday is really tomorrow," Quinn explains, her eyes going wide with excitement, "but I'm getting my kidney out and a new kidney, so we had to do it tonight."
Eight years ago, Quinn was born with Polycystic Kidney Disease.
"I think she was noticing the changes in her body," Quinn's mom, Julia, explains. "Her kidney function is decreasing at an alarming rate."
Quinn's quest for a transplant began in earnest last December. On Christmas Eve, she read from a note written in red crayon: "Dear Santa. . . I went to the kidney doctor and I did not get a kidney."
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks