Daughter gives mother special Mother's Day gift

MIAMI (WSVN) -- A South Florida mother is giving thanks to her daughter for a special Mother's Day gift.

Sergeant first class Yolanda Mixon suffered from what she thought was arthritis, but it was something more serious.

Mixon was diagnosed with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that damages different parts of the body. In her case, it was her kidneys. "I told my daughter,'" said Mixon. "She said, 'Mom, I'll give you a kidney.'"

Her 27-year-old daughter Lekisha did not hesitate to help. "I feel my mom has given me the most wonderful life. I've never had to want for anything. This was my way of giving back to her and showing her I appreciate everything," said Lekisha.

Several doctors felt Mixon was not fit to go under the knife, but her daughter felt otherwise. "There was never a doubt in my mind we were not going to have the transplant despite her doctors saying no," said Lekisha.

Mixon quickly got to work and trained for her transplant. "I got on a treadmill. My son bought me a bicycle for Christmas, and I went to work," said Mixon.

Mixon had the transplant surgery, and it was a success. "Today, I am in some pain. But I'm getting better day by day," said Mixon.

Doctors believe her health will continue to improve. "There's a small possibility that lupus could come back but it's extremely rare," said Jackson Health System's Dr. George Burke.

Mixon could not have asked for a better Mother's Day gift. "We're here today because my daughter gave me the gift of life, and she's in my debt forever," she said.

Doctors are hoping both patients will be home for Mother's Day.

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