Moyie Springs teen will get new kidney from cousin

Christa Rice knows what it’s like to nearly lose a child.

She doesn’t want the same for her aunt, Tia Avery, whose 17-year-old daughter, Kassy, could die without a new kidney.

Rice will donate one of her kidneys to Kassy.

“You know your world will never be the same if you lose that child,” said Rice, whose 12-year-old son, Kyler, nearly died after being born premature with birth defects.

“When Kyler was going through that, we knew him for a short time,” she continued. “The possibility of losing him almost killed us emotionally.”

Kassy is thrilled that her three-year search for a kidney has come to an end.

“I feel very good about it,” said the Bonners Ferry High School sophomore. “I just want to get it done.”

The decision has meant a change in lifestyle for Rice. Doctors said her poor health couldn’t handle the trauma of having a kidney removed.

So the 32-year-old mother of five traded in energy drinks for fruits and salads. Rice no longer skips breakfast and lunch and then eats a large dinner, which included dishes cooked with lard and shortening.

Her daily routine now includes six to seven small meals, drinking a gallon of water and one- to two-hour workouts at Iron Mike’s Gym at Three Mile.

Owner Mike Davis is donating his gym and time to work with Rice.

“This girl is giving part of her body to someone,” Davis said. “She’s unbelievable. She’s been here hour after hour and does everything in her power. She’s the toughest girl in Bonners Ferry — emotionally, mentally and physically.”

In four weeks, Rice has lowered her cholesterol by more than 110 points and lost 22 pounds. She was told to reduce her lipid profile, which determines one’s chances at becoming a diabetic. Rice’s profile was 4.7 and was told to reduce it to 4.5. It’s now 3.5.

“I no longer suffer from migraines and my energy level has tripled,” Rice said.

Avery is thrilled for her daughter, who was born with multiple birth defects and has gone through several surgeries.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Avery said. “It seems like it’s taken forever. I have three new heroes. Kassy, Christa and Mike.”

Kassy’s first kidney quit functioning four to five years ago and has been absorbed by her body. The second recently quit working, which since December has meant eight-hour dialysis treatments three days a week in Spokane, Wash.

Insurance is expected to cover the cost of the transplant, which should take place within a month or so in Spokane. Christa’s surgery is expected to take four hours, and she will remained hospitalized for just under one week.

Kassy will be in surgery for seven to eight hours. and hospitalized for about one week. She will need to remain in Spokane for two weeks so doctors can keep on eye any possible rejection and infection.