Woman Gives Aunt Gift of Life

By Kena Vernon | WNEP CHANNEL 16, PA

A family in Northumberland County is celebrating the gift of life after a young woman helped saved her aunt's life.

When Jamie Oberlin, 26, found out her aunt's kidneys were failing her, she knew something had to be done. She stepped up and decided to be her donor.

Oberlin and her aunt, Lezlie Patterson, 52, were meeting with family Thursday near Sunbury just days after she gave her aunt her kidney.

"She was suffering a lot and having to spend a lot of time at dialysis and I didn't want to see her suffer," Oberlin said.

Lezlie has been on dialysis for years. She says recently it took a toll on her health.

Her energy was down and her kidneys were working less. Patterson's doctors told her she needed a transplant. Her whole family was tested but only her Oberlin was a match.

"I was excited but I was also scared. I never had surgery before and I didn't know how my body would react. But I was excited that she wouldn't have to have dialysis anymore," Oberlin added.

Both had surgery at Geisinger Medical Center near Danville. The surgery was a success.

"I'm getting my energy back and everything feels a lot better. As soon as the surgery was over everybody told me my color was better. And I felt warm for the first time," Patterson.

Oberlin said she hopes others can learn from their story. "Anyone can help. Do little things like donate blood or become an organ donor. Just little things can help," she added.

"It's quite amazing that she stepped forward and said she would do this for me and I'll never forget it," Patterson said.

Both aunt and niece said they are a little sore but will make a full recovery and plan to go back to work in a few weeks.