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Woman to receive sister's kidney after hers failed during double lung transplant

UNIONTOWN, Pa. — A Uniontown woman whose kidneys failed during double lung transplant surgery is set to receive her sister’s kidney.

Having lived with cystic fibrosis for 27 years, Jessica Everly received a new set of lungs nine months ago. The lung transplant was successful, but both of her kidneys failed during the more than 25-hour long surgery -- news she learned upon waking up in the intensive care unit two weeks later.

Since the surgery, antirejection medication and hours of dialysis three times a week have become Everly’s new norm.

Despite the difficult journey, which is documented on Facebook, Everly remains positive.

“I’ve never felt sorry for myself. Whatever life throws at you, you have to handle it,” Everly said.

And through it all, her younger sister, Samantha Everly, has been by her side and was the first person whose kidney was tested. The kidney was a perfect match.

Samantha Everly’s decision to give her kidney to her sister was a no-brainer.

“She’s my best friend. I’m honored to be able to be with her on this journey,” Samantha Everly said. “She’s a fighter and I know she’s going to make it through.”

The sisters are preparing for the kidney transplant, which should happen sometime in January.

“It means everything to me,” Jessica Everly said. “I’ll always have a little bit of her in me.”