Donora Towers Maintenance Worker Receives Late Christmas Gift of New Kidney

Last Updated on Thursday, 30 April 2026 21:43

By Jill Runfola

Freda Heilman has a second chance at life with her recent surgery.

Freda, with one of her many friends who stood by her side, Sharae Majors.

Supportive Donora Towers Staff: Freda in the middle, with Maintenance; is with Ed White, Maintenance Supervisor, on the left; and Dana Zias, Property Manager, on the right.

Freda Heilman, Donora Towers Maintenance Worker for 9 years, got a gift from her younger sister, Kasie, 23, just days after Christmas that will change her life forever. Freda, 33, received a life-saving kidney transplant surgery on December 29, 2025, after 5 years of waiting and being on dialysis.

According to the American Kidney Fund, about 500,000 Americans are dependent on dialysis just to stay alive. Freda’s kidneys began to fail at the age of 28, and she is still waiting for her diagnosis to come back. She spent 3 days a week, 4 hours a day, hooked up to machines.

She was ready to give up on the procedures, as many people on dialysis often reach a point. Then, when she almost lost her life after 2 years, she became serious about her health and treatments. She also had faith in her friends and family, welcoming prayers, and still does.

Her surgery on December 29, 2025, went well. She says that her doctors check her regularly and she is doing amazingly well. Her prognosis is good. Kidney levels with blood work are monitored weekly. What she had missed the most, she joked, was chocolate cake and ice cream.

She “got a lot of love and it was very much appreciated. It’s always nice to have a good group of people in your corner,” she says of Donora Towers residents. Freda is especially close with Towers resident Patti Rongaus, who is like a second mother to her, having been there for her since she was born. She has 2 sisters, Kasie, 23, and Jessica, 39. Freda, 33, is the middle sibling.

Freda takes life “one day at a time,” which is her motto. “There’s no point in stressing about what you can’t change,” she believes. If you are on dialysis, you are encouraged to follow the doctor’s treatment plan, have faith, and you, too, may find your miracle!