Florida Children's Hospital (see more articles like this)

Simone Jones is like all teenagers with one exception—she was born with kidney disease. During the day, she would spend time with friends. At night, she would be on a dialysis machine. This was her way of life until the kindness of a stranger turned it around.

On Saturday, April 8, 14-year-old Simone received a second chance at life due to the generosity of an organ donor. Her lifesaving kidney transplant not only created a brighter future for her family, but it has also opened the door for other children who may need the same procedure. That’s because her operation was the first since Florida Children’s Hospital revitalized its pediatric kidney transplant program.

Tim Jankiewicz, executive director of TransLife at Florida Hospital, says that because of the addition of a new pediatric transplant nephrologist, Florida Children’s Hospital is able to offer this service to children and their families once again. He hopes that it will free many from dialysis, allowing them to do what they’re meant to—just be kids.

That’s exactly what Simone wants to do. She’s looking forward to dating, going out with friends and shopping for trendy clothes. Basically, she plans on living a more normal life.

“We are just so thankful that Simone received this amazing gift. Sharing life through organ and tissue donation is the greatest thing we can do for someone else,” said her mother, Gloria Jones. “It’s the greatest demonstration of love.”

Dr. Mehul Dixit, TransLife’s pediatric medical director at Florida Children's Hospital and a pediatric transplant nephrologist, hopes this program will help many more children.

"We are very excited about the revitalization of the program, but we know that it takes more than just us," Dr. Dixit said. "Let's not forget that it also takes faith and the generosity of organ donors and their families."

Last year, nearly 800 children received lifesaving kidney transplants in the United States. Today, hundreds await that gift.  April is national Donate Life Month.