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Superhero surprises family with life-saving kidney donation

Robyn Rosenberger is the founder of the non-profit, Tiny Superheroes. On January 17th, Robyn donated her kidney to Michael Loness, a boy she met while delivering a cape. Both had successful surgeries and are now resting at home.
Robyn Rosenberger is the founder of the non-profit, Tiny Superheroes. On January 17th, Robyn and Michael Loness both had successful surgeries. They are now resting at home.Photo credit: Alexandria Mooney

ST. LOUIS – A Kirkwood woman has devoted her life to impacting children, but she never thought she could be the donor that save a child's life.

Robyn Rosenberger is the founder of the non-profit, Tiny Superheroes. The small organization makes superhero capes for sick children. Robyn has shipped more than 12,000 capes to children battling illnesses around the world.

But when Tiny Superheroes makes a cape for a local kid, Robyn often delivers it herself. In the Summer of 2017, Robyn met 1-year-old Michael Loness and his family to deliver his superhero cape.

Michael’s mother, Sarah, started explaining Michael’s health battle since birth. The infant was born without kidneys and desperately needed a kidney transplant.

“I definitely never thought an adult could donate to a child, I was blown away, I couldn’t believe it was that simple,” Robyn told 5 On Your Side.

After their visit, Robyn went home to her husband and 3 small children including an infant of her own.

“I told my husband 'You’re not going to believe it. An adult could save his life and I think I need to do it.'”

For the next several weeks, Robyn went through testing to become Michael’s kidney donor. She did it all in secret until she got the final approval from the SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital Transplant Team to be Michael’s donor.

In the Fall of 2017, Robyn Facetimed the Loness family to deliver the remarkable news.

On January 17th, Robyn and Michael both had successful surgeries. They are now resting at home.

“For 589 days, almost his entire life, he has relied on a machine to keep him alive and he won’t anymore. It’s indescribable,” Sarah Loness said.

To help fight kidney disease join 5 On Your Side’s Anne Allred at the National Kidney Foundation 5k Walk on Sunday March 4th at Chaifetz Arena. You can join Anne’s team here.

To learn more about Tiny Superheroes and how you can sponsor a cape for a sick child, visit their website here.

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