A babysitting job
When 22-year-old Kiersten Miles, a special education student, met Talia Rosko, she had no idea she would end up saving the 9-month-old’s life.
“I met the Roskos in early June of 2016,” Miles told TODAY.
“My good friend had known the family for a long time and recommended me to them for a summer nanny position.”
Miles had only known Talia for a few weeks before making an unexpected offer. She knew the young girl suffered from biliary atresia and would require a liver transplant.
Biliary atresia
Biliary atresia is a liver disorder affecting infants. Essentially, it blocks the bile ducts that drain into the gallbladder. As a result of this blockage, backed-up bile can cause irreparable damage to an infant’s liver. The only known cure for biliary atresia is a liver transplant.
“About two to three weeks into watching Talia, I became curious about the whole idea of a liver transplant,” Miles told TODAY.
After doing a bit of research regarding the medical details, Miles decided to get tested to see if she was an organ match.
Sure enough, she was.
A big decision
After a lot of thought and consideration, Miles decided to give her liver to little Talia.
Although Talia’s parents were grateful for Miles’ selfless decision, they wanted to make sure the 22-year-old nanny understood the sacrifice that she’d be making. As for Miles’ parents, they were both extremely proud and supportive of the decision.
It should be known that the Roskos never pressured Miles into donating her liver.
In fact, Talia had been placed on a waitlist and if someone who matched her requirements passed away, she would become the recipient of their liver. Still, Miles felt compelled to help.
Her decision didn’t come without apprehension, however. After learning that she would never be able to donate again once the transplant was complete, she worried about what the future would bring.
Should she have a child with the same condition, she wouldn’t be able to help. In the end, however, Miles had faith that someone would step up should the occasion ever arise.
Recovery
After a 14-hour procedure at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, both Miles and Talia are thriving.
When the media caught wind of Miles’ story, it quickly went viral. Most people couldn’t imagine undertaking such an act of generosity for someone they’d only known for a few weeks – but for Miles, the decision was an easy one.
“It’s such a small sacrifice when you compare it to saving a life,” she told the Associated Press.
“Some of her doctors said she possibly wouldn’t have made it past 2 years old. All I had to do was be in the hospital for a week and a 5-inch scar.”
Gratitude
As you can imagine, Talia’s parents have been blown away by the series of events. For them, Miles has turned a hopeless situation into one that is full of hope.
“Without Kiersten, I’m not sure where we would be,” said Farra Rosko.
“I think people need to know that prayer does work, angels do exist and miracles happen every day.”
“I don’t know where we would be without Kiersten.”
Watch the video below.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
