New Berlin Woman Donates Kidney To Save Friend's Life

NEW BERLIN, WI — Thanks to the generosity of a friend, a woman received a life-saving gift. Andrea Erdahl of South Milwaukee and Melissa Schick of New Berlin have been friends for over a decade. While on maternity leave in 2016, Schick's backup at work was Erdahl.

When Schick returned to work, she noticed her friend wasn't there, something that wasn't normal for her.

In 2016, Erdahl had a horrible migraine and couldn't keep any food down. She went to the emergency room and within an hour was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease.

"They diagnosed me with complete kidney failure," Erdahl told Patch.

At first, Erdahl was in denial, as she was only in her 30s and a newlywed. It took her a few days to fully process what was happening. She had just 10 percent functionality in her kidneys and was put on immediate dialysis. Doctors told her she either needed a transplant or would be on permanent dialysis. Erdahl was on a list for a deceased donor, but that would likely take over five years.

Schick said she had a cousin who died from kidney failure. Her aunt had donated a kidney to the cousin and was living perfectly fine afterward.

"I told her (Erdahl) off the cuff if she needs it to let me know," Schick said.

Erdahl had several people interested in helping her, but they were ruled out as good matches. Schick offered to do testing and, shortly before the holidays, found out everything matched.

Schick said their friends joke that it was Erdahl covering for her at work that killed her kidneys.

Their friendship is based on humor, and that's why it works so well.

"Our joke is I kind of owed her my kidney," Schick laughed.

Kidding aside, the mother of four knew she didn't need both of her kidneys. Erdahl was taken aback when Schick jumped on board without hesitation.

"It is a very humbling feeling to know someone else is willing to go through something so big and take risks for you," Erdahl said.

Broth vs. Sandwich

Erdahl got to see Schick before she went into surgery. While the transplant was seamless, it was difficult since Erdahl was in the ICU.

Even though both women knew each other, due to privacy laws, the hospital couldn't disclose one's condition to the other.

"I know they (hospital) were trying to protect her, but my worst fear was something bad would happen to her (Melissa) while she was trying to save me," Erdahl said.

Everything else went smoothly, and Schick joked it felt like an elephant was lying on top of her.

Before the transplant, Erdahl was on a complete diet restriction.

"I get to eat broth, and when I go to see her she is eating this great big sandwich," Schick said.

Someone to hold onto

Today, Erdahl and Schick are doing very well. Both women are sad that the pandemic has caused them to be apart. Due to having a transplant, Erdahl has to be very vigilant about her health.

They talk over Skype and use social media a lot since they don't get to see each other in person. Erdahl has also done a few door drop-offs to surprise Schick with goodies.

She feels lucky to have such a great friend at work.

"At a job, you have those moments," Erdahl said. "At the end of the day, it is those people who keep you sane and keep you moving."

Schick and Erdahl both told Patch they wish people knew how easy it is to donate.

"I can't give anymore, but so many people are waiting (for transplants). It is such an amazing gift to give someone normalcy in life," Erdahl said.

She called her journey life-altering and that it changed her perspective. While she was on dialysis, Erdahl said there was no end date.

"You always search for things you can hold onto and those pieces of hope," she said.

For more information on how to help, visit the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin; to learn more about organ donations, visit Aurora Health Care's website.