Transplant patient donates toys to hospital – KARE

Transplant patient donates toys to hospital(Photo: KARE)

MINNEAPOLIS — Vivica Loyd’s ability to push through her pain is remarkable.

Twice per week she has physical therapy. Plus, numerous test with needles poking and prodding her tender skin.

She’s 15 years old and needs another kidney transplant.

Her first kidney transplant was in 2010. Two years after that surgery, she received a new heart.

But the teen is ignoring her pain to help other children spending days and nights in the hospital.

She organized a toy drive in October. All of the toys she collected were donated to the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis.

“I want to see kids in the hospital happy,” she said. “When I got (a toy) and got to bring it home, I would smile. And I want to see other kids smile too.”

Before the age of 8 years old, Loyd had three surgeries on her heart. Her mother says she was born with a rare heart and kidney disease. As a patient, Loyd said the staff always encouraged her and made her feel comfortable. That’s part of the reason she wanted to donate to the other children at the hospital.

The day before and after Loyd delivered nearly 100 toys and school supplies, she was back at the hospital for treatment. She’s prepping for another major surgery.

Loyd’s mother, Donette June, said she received a call from a representative with the Masonic Children’s Hospital letting them know about a potential donor. Turns out, June said the hospital was overwhelmed with calls from people willing to donate their kidney to her daughter following a KARE 11 report in October.

“God is good,” June said.

And while there’s no guarantee the potential volunteer will be a match, Loyd and her mom are thankful.

A hospital spokesperson said the toys are distributed on Christmas and when patients celebrate milestones. Patients also receive gifts, often donated toys, on their birthday.

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