DENVER (KDVR) — A Denver teen has had complications with her kidneys for years, including a transplant that was rejected, and now she’s finally with a new kidney that’s functioning properly.
In January of last year, FOX31 told you about Davasia Goens, a girl in need of a kidney transplant for the second time. This came after her first transplant had to be removed because of a rare disease that attacks the organs, causing a rejection.
But now she’s finally gotten that kidney, and it’s taking.
Davasia, now 15, had her transplant last month. FOX31 met up with her at her home while she was making a vision board, saying she’s ready to get a job, get better grades in school and, of course, get her driver’s license — all to go along with her new lease on life.
“I decided to do a lot of things differently. Instead of being a moody teenager, I try to have positive energy. It makes me feel a lot better,” Davasia said.
Starting anew after kidney donation
A friend of a family member matched with Davasia on Sept. 29, but they had to wait for her immune system to be ready. On Jan. 10, it was time.
Davasia’s mother, Melanie, reflected on that waiting period.
“It doesn’t feel like from September to January. It was far, but it seemed like years. I am just thankful we are here and she gets a whole new start to life,” Melanie said.
That donor stayed connected with Davasia, calling every week.
“She’s a mother of three, and I just said if you don’t ever do anything good in this world besides this, you have done above and beyond,” Melanie said.
Davasia is giving her a special honor in return with the idea to let her name Davasia’s new kidney, a trend in the transplant recipient community.
“I feel like if it wasn’t for Carly, I wouldn’t be here, because she is the reason I got my golden ticket,” Davasia said of her donor. “And so mom recommended, why don’t we give her the honor of naming your kidney?”
The name she chose: Ahava Grace.
“The base root of this word is have or to give. Perhaps this reveals the fundamental truth that love is to give, and so my kidney’s name is Ahava Grace,” Davasia said.
