Following the advice of a practical person with the Maine Transplant Program, Emily Pooler, a fourth grader who lives in the state, posted a brief and to-the-point request for a kidney from someone who is "healthy."
Her matter-of-fact request did not include a number of salient details that led her to make the move, including that her dad is too overweight to donate and her mom cannot help because she has diabetes, or that she has lived with various life-threatening symptoms that go along with chronic stage-four kidney disease for most of her life.
Emily Pooler simply looks at the camera, and tells it like it is in 34 seconds.
"Hi, my name is Emily Pooler. I have stage four chronic kidney disease," she says in a video posted to YouTube on July 6.
"I am looking for a kidney donor. You have to be very healthy. If you are willing to donate, contact the Maine Transplant Program," she continues.
The child then holds up a piece of paper with detailed contact information for anyone who can help.
The Maine Transplant Program, after reviewing her case, suggested that the youngster turn to social media as a means to save her own life.
The story was shared widely and has made its way into the news media, and Emily's mother expressed surprise at the attention received by the child's simple request.
"We are blown away by all of the support. We will keep you all posted," the mother posted to her Facebook page.
In drawing attention to Emily's request, other families and individuals in similar situations have come forward, and something of an active support network — outside of the standard American for-profit medical channels — has emerged.
Although a donor has not yet been identified, Emily's request has been viewed some 10,000 times on Facebook, bringing much-needed attention to the child's plight.
"Thank you to ALL who are sharing and getting the word out," the mother posted recently, according to Epoch Times.
Serious inquiries into how Emily Pooler can be assisted can be directed to the Maine Transplant Program at 207-662-7180, extension #4.
