A College of Oklahoma pupil obtained a kidney transplant after her TikTok video led her to a donor.Greater than a billion folks throughout the globe use the social platform, with many utilizing it only for dancing and comedy. Most would not suppose a type of “jokes” would save a life.”I went into kidney failure and I had an enormous seizure on the hospital and I used to be hospitalized for eight days,” mentioned Katie Hallum, who was recognized.The faculty pupil confronted way over her share of medical challenges. Hallum will always remember the day she was recognized with a uncommon illness known as IGA nephropathy, a illness the American Kidney Fund says doesn’t have a treatment. Like many her age, she goes to lessons, works and posts on TikTok. She did not know one video she posted as a joke would change her life.Enter Savannah Stallbaumer, a stranger from Topeka who supplied up her kidney by means of a touch upon the video. At first, Hallum pushed again.”There is a chance her kidney may die in me and he or she informed so long as it purchased me a couple of years off of dialysis. She did not care. She needed to do that,” Hallum mentioned.The 2 grew to become associates, however Hallum nonetheless wasn’t certain the match would work out completely till a shock second at a Norman restaurant. “It was very emotional. Different folks had been crying too within the restaurant simply watching it,” Stallbaumer mentioned.Stallbaumer mentioned she had seen Hallum’s TikToks earlier than however by no means knew why the algorithm put them in her feed. Now she is aware of it was meant to be.Even the state had a tough time believing her story, doubting whether or not somebody would donate to a stranger from TikTok.”I used to be like ‘He in all probability thinks I am nuts.’ I used to be cleared, clearly, however he was in all probability like ‘What even is that this that I am doing proper now?'” Stallbaumer mentioned.Now, Stallbaumer begins nursing college in Kansas in January and Hallum works as a reporter for KGOU radio and is in her senior 12 months. The 2 mentioned they may not be extra grateful for the time spent taking part in round on TikTok.”I am very grateful to be alive and to nonetheless be shifting,” Hallum mentioned.
A College of Oklahoma pupil obtained a kidney transplant after her TikTok video led her to a donor.
Greater than a billion folks throughout the globe use the social platform, with many utilizing it only for dancing and comedy. Most would not suppose a type of “jokes” would save a life.
“I went into kidney failure and I had an enormous seizure on the hospital and I used to be hospitalized for eight days,” mentioned Katie Hallum, who was recognized.
The faculty pupil confronted way over her share of medical challenges. Hallum will always remember the day she was recognized with a uncommon illness known as IGA nephropathy, a illness the American Kidney Fund says doesn’t have a treatment.
Like many her age, she goes to lessons, works and posts on TikTok. She did not know one video she posted as a joke would change her life.
Enter Savannah Stallbaumer, a stranger from Topeka who supplied up her kidney by means of a touch upon the video. At first, Hallum pushed again.
“There is a chance her kidney may die in me and he or she informed so long as it purchased me a couple of years off of dialysis. She did not care. She needed to do that,” Hallum mentioned.
The 2 grew to become associates, however Hallum nonetheless wasn’t certain the match would work out completely till a shock second at a Norman restaurant.
“It was very emotional. Different folks had been crying too within the restaurant simply watching it,” Stallbaumer mentioned.
Stallbaumer mentioned she had seen Hallum’s TikToks earlier than however by no means knew why the algorithm put them in her feed. Now she is aware of it was meant to be.
Even the state had a tough time believing her story, doubting whether or not somebody would donate to a stranger from TikTok.
“I used to be like ‘He in all probability thinks I am nuts.’ I used to be cleared, clearly, however he was in all probability like ‘What even is that this that I am doing proper now?'” Stallbaumer mentioned.
Now, Stallbaumer begins nursing college in Kansas in January and Hallum works as a reporter for KGOU radio and is in her senior 12 months. The 2 mentioned they may not be extra grateful for the time spent taking part in round on TikTok.
“I am very grateful to be alive and to nonetheless be shifting,” Hallum mentioned.