New Beginnings: Mother receives a liver; daughter receives a heart

No one expected two people in the same family to go through organ transplantation.

By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, tfender1@iuhealth.org

From the moment her first daughter was born, Kimberly Hudson wanted nothing more than to be a mother. When her second daughter, Misti Hudson, was born 16 months later Kimberly’s course was set on being the best mother she could be.

A native of Hartford City, Ind. Kimberly and her husband, John met at church and were married 40 years ago. At one time, Kimberly traveled and sang with a gospel group.

But her children always came first.

“She did everything with us because she wouldn’t let us out of her site,” said Misti. “They used to tell me my kids would grow up to be wild because I was so protective, but I have two of the best daughters and I feel honored God chose them to be my daughters,” said Kimberly, 60. Both Misti and her sister, Rachelle, live close by.

They’ve managed to pull together in rough times.

Thirty years ago, Kimberly was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She was a patient at IU Health Simon Cancer Center. When she became pregnant with twin boys she said: “The cancer caused me to go into pre-mature labor, and they didn’t make it.”

There have been other health issues. Kimberly once fell while carrying a dresser and suffered a severe brain bleed. About 10 years ago Kimberly was diagnosed with liver cancer and fatty liver. The disease progressed until they thought she wouldn’t make it.

When asked what got her through those rough times Kimberly looks straight up. Both mother and daughter wear matching bracelets with the words: “God’s got this.”

On Dec. 6, 2023, Kimberly faced one of her greatest challenges as a mother. Misti, 39, received a heart transplant at another hospital. She said that when she fought through a COVID diagnosis, it destroyed the left side of her heart and only three percent of her blood was pumping through her heart.

“I said ‘my mom needs a transplant before me.’ I didn’t realize just how severe my condition was,” said Misti. She was hospitalized for a month, and her mom never left her side. When she was discharged, Misti moved in with her mother.

“Mom did everything. I couldn’t use my arms getting up and down off the couch. She helped me get around, made my meals – everything.”

Since her diagnosis of liver disease, Kimberly had been in and out of the hospital multiple times. She couldn’t drive much, so depended on Misti for transportation to and from her appointments. She was admitted numerous times to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital and at one point, was flown by LifeLine to IU Health University Hospital for a transplant.

“We found out the liver intended for transplant was no good, so we went home and waited and waited,” said Misti. “I was watching her die, The month before transplant I took her to the hospital daily. I had to call an ambulance because she couldn’t t even walk to the car.”

Then they got the call. On Aug. 31, Kimberly received a liver transplant. Her surgeon was Dr. Plamen Mihaylov and her transplant hepatologist is Dr. John Holden. Since surgery, Misti has been taking care of her mother – buying groceries, cooking meals, and taking her to appointments.

When they have an early morning appointment, they stay overnight at no cost in a downtown apartment provided by Fair Haven Foundation. The Foundation provides patients and their families with housing at three facilities conveniently located near the hospital including Ada’s Place and the downtown apartments located near the IU Simon Cancer

“The housing, the timing, all the prayers and support from so many people – that’s what I look at. That’s what got us where we are. I say, ‘God did it,’” said Kimberly.

As she continues to recover, Kimberly is building her strength and looks forward to getting out and going thrift shopping with her daughters.

“Growing up we always loved going shopping. I can still remember standing outside Hills Department Store on Black Friday. Maybe this Black Friday we can do that again,” said Misti.