FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga — A Forsyth County Teen who is in desperate need of a liver transplant will get help from someone she hadn’t heard from in 12 years.
In her 27 years of teaching, Gena Garner has a belief she lives by.
"When I come to work, I ask the Lord to give me an opportunity to help other people. To do a favor. I never dreamed it would be something like this,” Garner said.
Garner recently learned the 16-year old daughter of one of her coworker’s at North Forsyth Middle School needed a liver transplant.
"When your liver is not doing well, it's your source of energy,” school counselor Christ Highland said about his daughter Riley’ situation.
Chris says there have been good days, and very bad ones. Riley has waited four years for a suitable donor.
Now, she has one.
“If this doesn't renew your faith in humanity, I don't know what would,” Highland said.
It’s Gena Garner to the rescue. She will give Riley 60-percent of her liver. But her connection with the girl is stronger than she first thought.
“I pulled out my son's yearbook and looked up her picture. Yes. I remember this little girl,” Garner said.
When Riley was in kindergarten, Gena was her teacher.
"It was just really surprising. Because she was one of my favorite teachers in elementary school. She's just part of our family now. I don't know how to thank her for this,” Riley said. "She's such a beautiful girl, who has grown into a beautiful young woman. I'm so happy to be able to do this for her,” Garner said.
The liver actually regenerates. Surgeons say in about eight weeks, both Garner and Riley will have full-grown, healthy livers. The surgery will take place Monday in Atlanta.