Children's Miracle Network: A Celebration of Champions
North Carolina's Champion for the 2007 Champions Across America presented by CO-OP Financial Services
Updated story:
Cancer survivor Micole Holley of Butner, N.C., represents North Carolina in this year's Champions Across America presented by CO-OP Financial Services.
Four years ago a pediatrician found osteosarcoma – bone cancer – in Micole's right leg. The doctor sent Micole immediately to Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center for further testing.
Osteosarcoma occurs most often in teenagers. Although cancer in children and teenagers is rare, approximately 400 new cases of osteosarcoma occur each year. Without being able to pinpoint a cause, doctors link the cancer to the rapid growth spurts that are so common in the teenage years.
Looking back on her experience, Micole says, "I think I got cancer so that I could be a walking testament." And she is. A model of strength and courage, Micole is truly a champion.
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2007 Duke Children's Champion - Abron Kelly
At age six, Abron visited the doctor for her routine checkup. Her blood pressure alarmed the pediatrician. That day was the beginning of what would be a year of tests, exams and evaluations leading to an ominous diagnosis: Abron had a rare disease called nephronophthisis, a disease for which there is no treatment and no cure. Over time the formation of cysts would destroy her kidneys' healthy tissue necessitating an eventual kidney transplant. Abron's health, however, began to decline quickly. She had no energy, complained of abdominal pain, and was frequently plagued with nausea and vomiting. Soon she did not have the stamina to stay at school all day. The turmoil raged for two years, and her kidneys began to fail.
A year ago, Abron received a kidney from her mother. The donated kidney was a beautifully well-functioning organ, and Abron received it without complication. The surgeons were pleased and optimistic of a good outcome. However during the night things began to change. Something was not right. Abron underwent four additional surgeries in the next two weeks, and ultimately, the transplanted kidney was removed. There was no explanation for the failure. Her body had not rejected the kidney; none of the usual malfunctions had occurred. It was just one of those life mysteries for which there are no answers.
For nearly a year Abron has been on dialysis both at Duke Children's and at home. In September of 2006, the Kelly family's prayers were answered—the miracle of a second kidney becoming available as a match for Abron. The transplant has been a success, and Abron is beginning to lead a more normal life.
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