REIDSVILLE, N.C. -- A family in the Triad lost their 11-year-old daughter early this year.
Ashanti died from an infection in the brain and a devastating stroke. Ashanti's mom Donzaletta Whitt told WFMY News 2, it started as common respiratory issues during Christmas break last year then it turned into a disease that affected her brain. On New Year's Day, doctors declared her brain dead. Ashanti's parents decided to donate her organs.
One of the recipients was Suzi Chung. After months of emailing back and forth, Ashanti's family met Chung, who received Ashanti's kidney.
"We're just one now," Whitt said. "It's like I've known her all my life."
Chung had been on dialysis since July 2009, but because of Ashanti's kidney, she no longer has to do it. She said she considers Ashanti's parents family, but she does have one regret:
"The only thing I regret is that she's not here for me to hug," Chung said.
They had a big celebration Sunday at Jerusalem United Holy Church in Reidsville.
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