HRMC logo

HURON — Huron resident Molly Norman remembers the shock and surprise of learning she was in kidney failure at just 27 years old.

Norman, now 30, went to her primary care provider for headaches, tiredness and symptoms of not feeling well.

Norman’s physician, alarmed at her high-blood pressure referred her to a specialist in Sioux Falls.

Then, following a battle with COVID in 2020, Norman learned she had stage two kidney failure. The failure progressed quickly to full-blown kidney failure and Norman began dialysis as a life-sustaining measure in May of 2021.

At the time, dialysis services in Huron were limited and Norman was forced to travel to Mitchell for the three-times-per week treatment.

“When I was driving to Mitchell for dialysis, I didn’t always know how the day would go and how I’d feel coming home. Sometimes my blood pressure would drop and I’d have to pull over on the way home, even having my sister have to leave work to come get me,” said Norman.

Following a trial with in-home dialysis that proved unsuccessful and a hospitalization at the end of 2023, Norman was able to begin dialysis treatment at HRMC in the expanded HRMC Christen and Hohm Dialysis Center.

Just this summer, Norman was accepted on the transplant list to receive a double kidney/pancreas transplant. Under the care of nephrologist, Dr. Tina Melanson, who provides specialty nephrology care in Huron, Norman is focused on staying healthy to be ready for transplant.

Norman, who has worked in home care services, shared how hard it was to initially allow others to help her, “I’m used to being the caregiver, so it’s hard to sit here for three hours while the staff take care of me.” She continued, “The staff here has really helped me to understand that my job is to stay healthy.”

Happy to receive treatments in Huron close to her family and eight-year-old son, Sincere, who along with friends and family, is her biggest motivation. Sincere was born with Caudal Regression Syndrome, which requires him to be in a wheelchair.

“I’m nervous and excited about the potential of transplant, but so excited that I have the opportunity to get back to the things that bring me joy, especially taking care of my son. I can’t take him to the pool because I can’t lift him in the water,” she stated. “He’s really excited for me to get this transplant and to be able to take him swimming.”

As a candidate for a living kidney donor, Norman shared that she’ll receive a kidney immediately if she can find a donor.

Molly needs a Type O kidney; however, a program is in place to get a kidney more quickly if someone with a Type A or B donates on her behalf. Without a living donor, her wait on the transplant list will be approximately four years.

In support of Molly, a fundraiser is set for Saturday, October 5 at Fire Pit Pizzeria in Huron, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Learn more on the Fire Pit Pizzeria Facebook page.

If you’re interested in becoming a living donor, contact the Avera Donor List at 866-686-1062 or learn more at www.kidney.org.

Learn more about dialysis services in Huron at huronregional.org/dialysis.