This morning, Susan Cleveland entered into surgery at 7:30 in order do donate her kidney to Buddi Subba who began her surgery half an hour later. The two women, both part of our COS family, were calm as they made their way into their respective operating rooms. Family members and others from Church of the Servant are joined together in the waiting area of Mercy Health in Grand Rapids.

You can read more about Susan and Buddi’s story from Ruth Everhart’s (Susan’s Sister) blog.  In it, she offers this prayer:

Gracious God, watch over Susan and Buddi during their kidney transplant. Be with the surgeons, that they may be skillful and precise and effective in their work. Be with the nurses and all medical personnel, that Buddi and Susan may be surrounded by competence and care. Alleviate their pain. Grant them safety under anesthesia, and successful surgeries. May they each make a full recovery. May Susan’s left kidney begin the work of filtering Buddi’s blood, to restore her body to well being. May Susan’s right kidney take up the work of its sister organ, and be adequate to its task. Please Lord, grant successful surgery for both of them, and full recovery for both of them. Be with the loved ones who wait for news, especially Susan’s husband, and our dear mother. We pray this knowing that you are the Great Healer. We commit Susan and Buddi to you. Amen.

 

UPDATE at 11:43 am:

A note from Susan’s Husband, Bennett Cleveland: “Susan is out of surgery and in recovery. The surgery went well and there are no complications. Buddi is in surgery now.”

UPDATE at 3:00 pm:

Update from Cele Merennes: Buddi is out of surgery and doing well. No complications.

UPDATE at 1:00 am 9/13:

Update from Susan Cleveland: “I’m doing great. Except for not sleeping. Ha ha. Operations went great. Buddi’s new kidney is working better than expected. Feel free to share. 😇🌅. PGFWABF. Praise God From Whom….”

 

Cards for Buddi can be sent to her address at:

4085 Tangle Circle
101
Grand Rapids, MI
49546

Cards for Susan can be sent to her address at:

4348 Braeburn SE
Grand Rapids, MI
49546

If you would like to help by bringing a meal to Buddi, please contact Beth Beels at eabeels@gmail.com

Learn more about kidney transplant surgery at Mercy Health St. Mary’s.