Elaina was born with a rare condition called Caudal Regression Syndrome. This syndrome can occur in 1 in every 200,000 people. In Elaina's case, unfortunately, she was born with one of the most severe cases. Elaina's spine stops at L2 (lumbar vertebrae 2) which affects her kidneys, bladder, and lower extremities. This left her with 1 kidney, a neurogenic bladder, malrotation of the intestines, and other health issues. Elaina has personality times 10, a smile that will melt your heart, and just recently sang a duet of “Hallelujah” in her home church.

Sadly, Elaina's one and only functioning kidney failed. She was med-flighted to UVA medical center where she had to have emergency PD dialysis surgery.  Since then, Elaina has been on 9 hours of daily dialysis, waiting and praying for a kidney donor. THIS is the part of the story where you may need to have your tissues handy!  A stranger, that became a friend, began to wonder if she might be a match for Elaina.  And she was!! (More on that story here: https://wcyb.com/.../local-first-grader-to-receive-long... )

For seven years Elaina’s family weathered every storm imaginable with Elaina. Emotional stress aside, with Elaina’s complex care this has been a long and hard-fought battle financially for this family.  When we learned this family was desperately in need of financial support to help with housing in Pittsburg ( for several weeks, and many states away from their hometown), YOUR donations became a blessing and paid for their trip!  Elaina received her long-awaited kidney transplant in March 2022!  She just celebrated her one year transplant anniversary.  There have been bumps in the road and there will be a lifetime of care needed, but Elaina smiles through it all!