When 8-year-old Miranda began dialysis, her mother had an idea that would make her wait for a kidney transplant more bearable.

She suggested that Miranda keep a journal and fill it with messages from everyone she met until she received the transplant. 

Miranda began the journal on the day in September 2007 when she traveled from her home in California to visit Washington, D.C., as a winner in the American Kidney Fund's calendar art contest. 

Below are some of the entries that Miranda has been collecting while she awaits the gift of life, a kidney transplant.

Miranda's drawing

September 13, 2007

Hello,

Miranda is 9 years old and a kidney failure patient on dialysis at UCSF San Francisco. She is currently on hemodialysis 3 days a week and awaiting a kidney transplant.  She is on her way to Washington, D.C., where she is being awarded for a drawing she entered. It was a drawing for the American Kidney Fund calendar for the year 2008.

Her drawing was chosen out of many applicants and will be representing the month of May – which also happens to be HER BIRTHDAY MONTH! We are asking everyone who has come in contact with her to please write a brief message for her keepsake journal through this challenging journey. 

Although at times things have been very trying, we see the end results to be ever so rewarding. Thank you for your time, your words, and touching experiences.

Love,

Miranda, Big Sister Vanessa and MOM.

Pro basketball players Etan Thomas of the Washington Wizards and Nikki Teasley of the Washington Mystics participated in welcoming the calendar artists and their families to Washington, D.C. Etan signed Miranda's journal...

9-14-07

Hey Miranda,

This is Etan Thomas of the Washington Wizards. Just wanted to tell you that you are a very special girl with a beautiful smile.  Keep God first.

Take care,

Etan Thomas
#36

During the calendar kids weekend, Miranda met many new friends who were either on dialysis or had received a transplant...

The 2008 Calendar Kids

9-14-07

Miranda,

It’s so nice to meet you! I know just how challenging it is to have kidney problems.  I did hemodialysis for 9 months and then received a kidney transplant.  It’s hard to be young and go through all that.  However, you are so pretty and have such a good attitude that it is hard to tell that you are having any kidney problems at all. Keep smiling and enjoy Washington, D.C.  Congratulations on your beautiful artwork!

…..sending you kidney wishes….
Emily