A valley teen received the gift of life for Christmas thanks to an organ transplant.
14-year-old Michael Alexander suffers from several serious illnesses and has undergone more than 80 surgeries.
For more than two years he’s needed a kidney transplant. On Wednesday his wish for a donor came true.
“He’s got a lot of angels watching over him that’s for sure,” said Pamela Henry, Michael’s mother.
It was a long 24 hours for Pamela after she finally got the call she’d been waiting for, a kidney for her son.
“It was very surreal. It was kind of like ‘are you serious? Don’t mess with me!’ And she said it’s a perfect match,” said Pamela.
Pamela spoke to us from Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford in Palo Alto, California where Michael is recovering from the kidney transplant.
Pamela says Michael was born with multiple heart and kidney disabilities.
“Doctors honestly didn’t think he would make it 24 hours and here he is almost 15,” said Pamela.
Michael has fought hard to beat the odds.
“Everything has been just a fight,” said Ivy Henry, Michael’s grandmother.
Along the way, he’s had his family’s support.
“The holidays have always been emotional for us. Always,” said Pamela.
This isn’t the first time the family has had a holiday miracle. One year ago he had heart surgery that turned out for the best.
Michael’s mother says her faith has been tested, but ultimately she believes thing will work out.
“I’ve been doing this almost 15 years by myself, but I have my mom and my stepdad and sister. They have helped me, but being a single mother it’s not easy,” said Pamela.
While Pamela and Michael won’t be back to Las Vegas in time for Christmas, they’re overjoyed about receiving the ultimate gift this holiday season.
“It’s truly a Christmas miracle. I mean our prayers have been answered,” said Pamela.
Pamela and Michael are staying at the hospital in California for at least six weeks while doctors monitor his recovery.
The family has set up a GoFundMe to help pay for medical expenses and are asking for your help.
