A Mother’s Heroic Love – Toni Kim’s Living Donor Story
Toni Kim’s journey to heroism began in 2023 with a visit to the pediatrician for her daughter, Jemmi. “Umma, I’m tired… Umma, hold my hand… Umma, can I sleep with you? A healthy, flourishing teenager started to sleep 12 – 15 hours a day and vomit regularly. We had no idea at the time, but her kidneys were barely functioning. I can’t imagine all that her body was going through.” said Toni Kim regarding her daughter before her transplant.
In the spring of 2023, Jemmi had to be rushed to the ER due to symptoms of Kidney failure, where Toni and her family learned that Jemmi’s body was shutting down, and the doctors were shocked she even had the strength to walk on her own. They learned that she would ultimately need a kidney transplant, and soon. The doctors informed her that parents and family can donate, however, Toni and her daughter were not a match. This would mean that Jemmi would have to be on dialysis every other day for 4+ hours until a match was found.
Feeling devastated and yearning for answers, Toni wondered what she could do for her daughter, and Donor Network West had the answers she sought. She participated in the Kidney Pair Exchange program, which would add Jemmi to the national registry. Toni made the decision to become a Living Kidney Donor by “sharing my spare to someone that needs it.” In November of 2023, Toni received the call that the mad had been found for her spare kidney, and in that same call, was also informed that Jemmi’s match had also been found.
On November 30th, 2023, Toni Kim donated her kidney, which successfully made it to the transplant recipient. The recipient’s life ultimately changed for the better by receiving a second chance. On December 12th, 2023, Jemmi received her new kidney and a chance to live out her teenage years untethered, happy, and healthy.
The incredible Mother-Daughter duo is a full year and some months past surgery, and “all I can say is, I am beyond blessed, I am forever grateful. To all the mothers and caregivers who supported us through this journey, who carried us through our trials and tribulations, I honor you!” said Toni Kim.