The Miracle Goes On

Elaine Kozeliski says that she and her family have experienced two miracles. Her son, Craig, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), a fast growing cancer of the white blood cells, but was eventually cured. Elaine had kidney failure in 2003 and received a kidney from her son on September 18, 2006.

Craig was treated at St. Jude in Memphis and then became one of the first five patients to use the Peoria afffiliate of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Peoria was the first affiliate clinic to open outside of Memphis and did so in 1972. Craig was treated for three years at Memphis and Peoria.

Elaine was eventually placed on the kidney transplant waiting list at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria. None of her daughters qualified as a possible donor. After many requests to be tested, the doctors finally gave in and he was found to be a good match. Craig, now 41 years old, was able to have his kidney removed laproscopically. Both recipient and donor are doing very well.

Elaine and Ariene Heinz started the annual St. Jude Dinner in 1987 and were active in the Parents of St. Jude support group over 30 years ago. The group has already held the 30th annual Brimfield St. Jude Dinner and Auction which has been one of the largest contributors to St. Jude from the Peoria area.

Organ Transplant Support wishes the best to Elaine and Craig Kozeliski......The Miracle Goes On!!!