Kiersten Miles had only known baby Talia Rosko for about three weeks before she decided that she would try and help save her life.
The 22-year-old was recommended for a summer babysitting job and fell in love with the 9-month-old baby.
Before taking the job, Kiersten knew that one of the children in the family was sick and would need some extra care.
Talia had a rare infant liver disease called Biliary atresia that usually requires a transplant in order for the patient to live into adulthood. Kiersten became curious and started researching the condition.
“About two to three weeks into watching Talia I became curious about the whole idea of a liver transplant,” she told TODAY. “Before meeting the family I never knew you could donate part of your liver. I always try to donate blood whenever I can because it never bothered me and a lot of people can receive my blood type. After doing research I found out that I could potentially donate an organ to anyone due to my blood type.”
Kiersten knew that she had type O blood which is compatible with other blood types and decided she would donate part of her liver to the infant.
“We were never ‘looking’ for an organ donor, and we would never ask anyone if they wanted to donate, especially someone we didn’t know that well,” said Talia’s mom Farra Rosko. “Children’s Hospital of Philadephia listed Talia on UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) list, which means she was on a list with all of her requirements and if a deceased donor liver became available that matched her needs she would get a new liver. Kiersten offered to fill out paperwork and to be a live donor after she did some research.”
Farra told Kiersten that this was a big decision and that she needed to talk to her parents but Kiersten already had her mind made up.
“I was very taken aback,” Farra Rosko told thestar.com. “I didn’t know that she was this selfless — I’ve come to find out that this is who she is. She really is an angel on earth; I know that sounds silly, but she really is.”
Though it was nervewracking, the surgery came and went well for both girls.
“I think people need to know that prayer does work, angels do exist and miracles happen every day,” Farra said. “I don’t know where we would be without Kiersten.”
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