Daughter helps mom fight deadly illness

PHOENIX - An Arizona woman facing chronic kidney disease and fighting for her life is getting help from her daughter.

56-year-old Joan Joanou was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.

She said her wait for a kidney donation could last more than five years, a worry as Joanou isn't sure how much longer she has to live.

"It could happen tomorrow," she said.

Joanou's call for a kidney was answered by her daughter, 28-year-old Lana Solomon.

"She called me one day and said 'I need a kidney.' I said, 'alright, whenever you're ready."

Solomon is a universal donor and was certain she was a perfect match, but recent lab results came back with terrible results.

"I'm not a match, I guess her blood is too strong for [my kidney]," Solomon said.

Solomon is still determined to help her mom in her fight for life. She can take part in a kidney exchange, but must first find a match.

"If someone is willing to step forward for my mom, I'm willing to step forward for somebody else," she said.

A hope mother and daughter can stay together for decades to come.

For more information on how you, or someone you know can help, please contact the Donor Network of Arizona.