schools
5-year-old girl receives kidney from mom’s best friend
By LeAnne Gendreau at KGNS — Sitewide
· July 6, 2026
· 2 min read
MISSOURI (Aging Untold) — A 5-year-old girl diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome is recovering after receiving a kidney from her mother’s best friend — a donation that was never requested. Bree Bridges spent a year and a half on nightly dialysis while attending school and waiting for a transplant. H...
Key takeaway Her mother, Shannon Bridges, said the routine became a way of life.
Why this matters in The Laredo
The selfless act of Jamie Rogers, donating a kidney to her best friend's daughter, resonates deeply in a community like Laredo , where family and friendship ties are strong. As Bree Bridges continues her recovery and returns to a sense of normalcy, her story serves as a testament to the impact one person can have on another's life. In a city where community events and public gatherings are an integral part of daily life, it's not uncommon to see neighbors and friends coming together to support one another in times of need. The fact that Rogers took it upon herself to get tested as a potential donor, without being asked, speaks to the kind of meaningful support that can be found in close-knit communities like Laredo. As Bree looks ahead to a future without the burden of nightly dialysis, her story is a reminder of the difference that can be made when individuals show up for one another in profound ways.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? MISSOURI (Aging Untold) — A 5-year-old girl diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome is recovering after receiving a kidney from her mother’s best friend — a donation that was never requested. Bree Bridges spent a year and a half on nightly dialysis while attending school and waiting for a transplant. H...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by LeAnne Gendreau at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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