Cherity Cho was born March 24, 2008; Gaena and Arnold Song-Cho expected a healthy baby. However, an ultrasound indicated that Cherity's kidneys did not function. After a year and a half surviving on peritoneal dialysis, Cherity received a transplant, but afterwards developed an infection and the kidney was removed. After another year of dialysis, Cherity was ready for her second transplant, and in November 2010, Gaena successfully donated a kidney to her daughter. "I am so very thankful for Cherity's first kidney donor, whose great gift of love helped Cherity survive," said Gaena.

Gaena's Story

Gaena and Arnold Song-Cho's daughter Cherity was born March 24, 2008; they expected to have a healthy baby. However, Cherity had no urine output and after an ultrasound, the doctors found that Cherity's kidneys did not function. Gaena and Arnold were at a loss for words when they heard the news. After a long moment of silence they began to ask questions regarding the diagnosis and treatment plans. The doctors explained that there were no treatment plans for Cherity because there was no such thing as transplants for newborns, and that she would most likely not make it. The Song-Chos decided they needed a second opinion and Cherity was transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. "Because of our faith in God we knew there was always hope," said Gaena.

Early the next morning, they met with Dr. Pulyanda, a Nephrologist, along with the Neonatologist and social worker. Dr. Pulyanda explained in detail the treatment plan for Cherity, which consisted of peritoneal dialysis and later a kidney transplant. Gaena recalls, "In a matter of three days we went from complete devastation to amazing gratitude that our daughter had a chance at life." Cherity started on peritoneal dialysis and remained in the hospital for about four months undergoing numerous surgeries and tests.

Finally the day came when the Song-Cho family could bring Cherity home. They were excited because during the four months that Cherity was hospitalized, the family had been separated. Eldest daughter Chloe was staying with her grandmother, while Gaena and Arnold spent all their time at the hospital with Cherity.

After a year and a half, Cherity was finally a candidate for transplant, and she was put on the waiting list. On September 30, 2009, they received that highly anticipated call that Cherity had a good matching kidney and she was to go into surgery the next day. After the surgery, they waited in anticipation that Cherity would have kidney function, but after the fifth day or so, she developed an infection and the kidney had to be removed.

Because of the infection in her abdomen and other complications, Cherity had to start hemodialysis. The family was referred to St. Joseph Hospital in Orange County. Cherity went there for dialysis four days a week for about four hours a day. She spent so much time there that the nurses at St. Joseph taught her songs, the alphabet, counting and the list goes on. The nurses at St. Joseph gave her so much love and attention that she really enjoyed her days there.

After almost a year on hemodialysis, Cherity was ready for her second transplant. Gaena started all the work up to donate her kidney to her daughter, and in November 2010, Cherity and Gaena went in for surgery. The transplant was successful.

Cherity spent a lot of time in the NICU, PICU, and Peds floor at Cedars-Sinai, and made lasting memories with all the nurses who gave her first-class care and love.

"I just want to say how thankful I am for the gift of life that my daughter has been given, and I truly believe that God planned all of this so that we could be in the best hands," said Gaena. "I am so very thankful for Cherity's first kidney donor, whose great gift of love helped Cherity survive," said Gaena, "as well as Dr. Kamil and Dr. Pulyanda, because without their dedication, Cherity might not have made it this far."

"Most importantly, I have faith in God," said Gaena. "He gives hope and peace during even the most difficult and challenging times in our lives."