Indiana—In Apr. 2003, when physicians at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis examined Jesús Navarro, they learned he was a very sick boy in need of a kidney transplant. His kidneys had failed to grow with the rest of his body and were only functioning at about five percent of normal capacity. He was on dialysis four times a day.

Jesús' family learned the operation would cost $75,000, with an additional $1,000 for medicine in the months afterward. It was more than they could financially manage. South Bend Hispanic Church members stepped in to help.

A series of fund-raising events were planned, including special meals served, donations for yard sales, and radio marathons. An account was set up at a local bank and donations for Jesús' surgery began to accumulate. A story was also published in the Aug. 2004 Lake Union Herald and unknown members throughout the Lake Union also contributed through the National Transplant Assistance Fund (NATF). NATF is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to providing fund-raising assistance to families who incur financial challenges due to organ/tissue transplant or other catastrophic illness.

On July 1, 2005, Jesús finally received a new kidney. While he anticipated his mother, Ernestina, would donate a kidney, it turns out it was his father who was actually able to do so.

Luis Beltre Sr., South Bend Hispanic Church pastor, says Jesús and his father are doing well. He said, "Praise the Lord! Everything is going good."

Jesús' parents, Ernestina and Cruz Navarro, are elated and would like to thank everyone who helped make the transplant a reality, including their church family, the South Bend community, their church family in Fort Wayne, and the many unknown donors from throughout the Lake Union. They also solicit your prayers during the recovery phase.

In July, as the family was celebrating Jesús' miracle, his brother, Alberto, experienced the traumatic loss of fingers during a fireworks accident. Your prayers are requested for his recovery as well.

Diane Thurber, Lake Union Herald managing editor