Snow baby
By Ruth Schenk | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Jan. 17, 1994, millions followed Michelle Schmitt’s race to get a new liver. There were obstacles: 17 inches of snow; Louisville International Airport was closed; roads
were impassable; bitter cold and wind shear made air travel treacherous.
Volunteers shoveled the Southeast parking lot, then on Hikes Lane, so a helicopter could land and take Michelle, then just 3 years old, to life-saving surgery in Omaha, Neb.
Newscasters nicknamed her “snow baby.” To this day, people who followed that drama still recognize her.
On Nov. 1, 2011, Michelle’s kidney transplant was not nearly so dramatic. There were no radio or television commentaries. But it, too, was lifesaving—another chapter in the
Schmitt family story. Much of it is hard, but the family does not focus on what they have lost. They focus on the good things God has done for them.One of Michelle’s best
friends since elementary school donated a kidney. It’s a gift the family does not take for granted.
Back in 1994 when volunteers made their way to Southeast with snow shovels in hand, the Schmitts already had been through more heartache than many families face in a
lifetime. Both Michelle and her older sister, Ashley, were born with biliary atresia and needed liver transplants. Ashley had a successful transplant in 1990.
The family was just beginning to breathe easy when Theresa, the girls’ mother, died suddenly of Wegener’s granulomatosis, a rare blood disease. Their father, Howie
Schmitt, and his parents, Ed and Barbara Schmitt, cared for the girls. They were still grieving for Theresa when Michelle’s liver failed.
Michelle weighed just 16 pounds and her big blue eyes stood out against bright yellow skin the morning Howie heard a liver was available. That day, church neighbors and
members pitched in to help.
Retired Southeast Senior Minister Bob Russell arrived with a shovel, working alongside almost 200 others in sub-zero temperatures and whipping wind to clear a path. He
prayed for Michelle and the family before the helicopter took off.
Transplant surgery saved Michelle’s life. Later the Schmitts learned about the donor, Bryan Friesen, a little boy who died of a brain aneurysm. Bryan’s family told of his bigger-
than-life faith in Jesus and how not long before he died, he left notes and messages throughout the house for his family. One note said, “I love you all, and Jesus does, too.”
The two families have stayed in touch ever since. In 2001, Michelle was baptized by her Sunday school teacher, Charles Denny, the day before her 10th birthday.
All along the journey, teachers, Sunday school teachers and friends stayed close to the family.
“We could not have survived without all the people who have come along to help us,” Howie said. “We have been blessed by people who cared.”
Southeast member Linda Ratti, the girls’ music teacher, kept a careful watch on them, along with the Dennys and other friends. Ashley and Michelle graduated from high
school and went on to college. Ashley now has a master’s degree in business healthcare while Michelle is working on her degree in psychology.
Throughout their lives, doctors warned that the anti-rejection drugs the girls took 20 years ago could cause kidney failure. Ashley had a successful transplant last June. Good
friend Crystal (who wished to keep her last name anonymous) volunteered to donate then, but a good match became available two days after Ashley’s name was on the list.
When Michelle’s kidney was damaged during a bout with mononucleosis last January, Crystal spent a lot of time at the hospital with Michelle and Ashley. As it became clear
that Michelle needed a kidney, Crystal offered again. Tests showed she was a perfect match, and the transplant took place at Jewish Hospital on Tuesday, Nov. 1.
A kidney is an unbelievable gift.
“It means so much that she was willing to do this,” Michelle said. “I’m so grateful.”
Crystal does not see herself as a hero.
“Michelle and Ashley have taught me so much about life,” she said. “They don’t take anything for granted like most people. I would do about anything to keep them in my life.”
A die-hard University of Louisville fan, Crystal teased Michelle that the kidney might change Michelle's allegiance from the University of Kentucky.
Michelle continues to recover at home.
Howie believes life will be different now. Fewer illnesses. Fewer setbacks.
“My dream is that my girls bury me,” he said. Michelle and Ashley have dreams, too.
“I want to travel, get married and have a family,” Michelle said.
Ashley said the road to good health has been long but worth it.
“I want to get married one day, get season tickets to Kentucky basketball and go to Europe,” she said.
Howie said their journey through illness and transplants has taught them to never take anything for granted.
“I know that everything can change in a day,” he said. “We are so grateful for Crystal, for her gift, for Ashley’s donor, for all the people who have helped us. We know, without
doubt, that God has saved their lives.”