There are 65,000 people on the Kidney Transplant List nationwide. Many have to turn to strangers for help, but sometimes family members are a match. One Harbor Springs family knows first hand the emotional ups and downs of a serious health battle.

"A lot of hurt and anger, then I had to push that all aside and just move forward, deal with what was going on and just take it step by step," says Amanda Brazie. Brazie's daughter, five-year-old Grace, began her battle with Nephtrotic Syndrome at the age of two.

Nephrotic Syndrome is a disease that causes the kidneys to malfunction, but also one that doctors were initially optimistic about.  "It's a disease that 95 percent of kids will grow out of," explains Dr. Timothy Bunchman, a specialist with the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, "Graces disease changed over time, though."

Grace was given steroids to fight off the disease, but soon became resistant to the treatments. A turn of events that would soon lead to kidney failure. "You start balancing complications of her native kidneys versus complications of dialysis," Explains Dr. Bunchman.  Grace's mom remembers when she was first approached on the seriousness of her daughter's health. "Her doctors came to me in her room and said her kidneys have failed you need to put her on dialysis and start looking for a transplant," explains Brazie, "I knew this needed to be done to keep my daughter alive, I wasn't going to give up."

The search for a new kidney for Grace didn't take long. After family members were tested, her dad was a match.  "Just really relieved and told the doctors, 'ready to go,'" explains Kevin Beer, Grace's dad, but despite the good news of a successful kidney transplant, within minutes, doctors say, Grace's disease returned.  After chemotherapy and other treatments Grace's disease is now in remission. "It's gotten better.  When this all started she was on 14 to 15 different pills, now we are down to probably seven pills," says Brazie.  Grace's mom says keeping her daughter informed made a big difference.  "We were very open in letting her know everything that was going on."  Grace's doctor agrees.  "Children are fearful of what they are not told, not fearful of what they are told.  You have to have a honest discussion with a child even a four or five year old." Dr. Bunchman says a positive attitude also makes a big difference, pointing out, "some days are better than others, we need to keep focusing on where we are going."

After years of not being able to even play with other children due to her low immunity, Grace is now in school and also recently been given the okay from her doctor to participate in basketball and soccer.