Russell donated a kidney to her husband, Robin “Lanny” Russell, on Dec. 15.
“I really have to give all the glory to the Lord. It was through prayer and faith that made this miracle happen. I couldn’t have done it without Him being my strength,” she said.
Russell has been with the school district since 2009. She is in her fourth year as the cafeteria manager at KSES.
Russell’s husband started having issues with his kidneys in 2012. By the end of 2014, one of his kidneys was failing and he was placed on dialysis.
He knew he would eventually need a kidney transplant.
A few family members were tested as possible donors as were members of Westview Baptist Church in Kingston Springs, where the couple attends. No one turned out to be a match.
That’s when Russell decided to be tested herself.
“It was put on my heart to see if I was a match,” she said.
After undergoing a health screening and having bloodwork done, she received a phone one day and learned her blood type and tissue were a match.
“I was so overwhelmed with joy when I got the phone call,” she said.
After undergoing additional medical tests, the next step was to schedule the surgery.
“Everything happened so quickly. It was amazing,” she said.
The successful surgery turned out to be a wonderful Christmas present for the Russell family.
“We all got to go to church together on Christmas morning,” she said. “Our church family has prayed for the past three years for a kidney for Lanny. For them to see him walk in was amazing.”
Russell’s mother and grandmother flew in from Nevada for the surgery, and her father and stepmother were also there for support.
“The Lord brought us all together during the surgery,” she said.
Russell’s husband is on the road to recovery, and the couple is very appreciative of the support they have received during their recent surgeries.
“He is doing so much better each day … I am still in awe on how it all worked out,” she said.
Russell is also thankful for the support she received from the school district’s nutrition team, including supervisor Melanie Smiley and assistant Kim Trotter.
“They have helped me tremendously,” she said. “Also, everyone at Kingston Springs Elementary School has been so sweet, supportive, caring and loving. I am blessed to be here.”