Dutchess County girl recovering after kidney transplant

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By LIDIA CURANAJ, @LidiaFox5NY

MYFOXNY.COM -

Back in February, Gabriella Falzarine, or Elle for short, tugged at the hearts of many when she appeared on Fox 5 asking for someone to donate their kidney to her so she could grow up and become a doctor.

Hope kept her exhausted body going through 10 hours of dialysis every single week for the last three years. Elle, 12, was born with a rare kidney disease and her only chance of survival was another kidney transplant.

After our story aired about 50 people came forward to donate a kidney. One person was a perfect match surprising even doctors here. Even more surprising is that the donor actually went to high school with Elle's dad.

Our cameras were there as Elle, her family, and her donor, Marcia Rhodes, made their way into Mt. Sinai Medical Center to have the transplant.

Elle's surgery went so well, she was walking less than 24 hours later.

The Falzarines know that the road to recovery is still a long one. But now Elle is one step closer to being what she always wanted to be normal.

Elle still has a long road ahead facing treatments that will cost her family thousands of dollars. So she still needs help.

Donations can be sent to:

Gabriella Falzarine Fund
Attention: Carol
TD Bank
1850 South Road
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

GABRIELLA'S FACEBOOK COMMUNITY
http://on.fb.me/qOUDQJ

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Dutchess County girl recovering after kidney transplant - KMSP-TV

Dutchess County girl recovering after kidney transplant

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