After the birth of her fourth daughter, Rylee Miller faced an unexpected and life-threatening situation. Her body began to bleed internally, leading to the loss of her liver and both kidneys.
While her liver function was restored, her kidneys never recovered, resulting in kidney failure.
The Struggle with Dialysis
Initially, Rylee underwent dialysis in a clinic three days a week, which was a significant time commitment away from her children. To spend more time at home and have the freedom to travel, Rylee and her husband got certified to perform dialysis at home. This change allowed them to carry the dialysis unit with them and travel, providing much-needed flexibility.
The Search for a Kidney Donor
Finding a kidney donor was a long and slow process. Rylee shared her story widely, hoping to find a match. Surprisingly, a coworker of Rylee’s cousin, who had begun the process of donating her kidney altruistically, offered to donate her kidney on Rylee’s behalf. This act of kindness vaulted Rylee’s name to the top of the national waitlist for a kidney transplant.
The Transplant and Recovery
In late November, Rylee received the news that a match had been found in Pennsylvania. The surgery was scheduled for December 23rd, which meant celebrating Christmas early and quarantining the family to ensure Rylee’s health. Despite missing out on holiday traditions, the family knew it would be worth it for Rylee to receive her new kidney.
Meeting the Donor
Rylee was fortunate to meet her donor a few weeks after the surgery. They have maintained close contact since then and even decided to meet in New York over spring break, bringing their families together.
A Changed Perspective
Rylee’s experience has profoundly changed her perspective on life. She emphasized the importance of making memories and finding goodness even during hard times. “You need to take the trip. You need to make the memory with your kids,” she said. Rylee encouraged others to cherish every moment and find the sunshine in difficult times.
For more of Rylee’s journey, follow her on Instagram at @ryleesuemiller. Learn more about organ donations here.
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