Giving thanks for second chance | News, Sports, Jobs

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Vonnie Alberts dances in her jingle dress regalia – carrying prayers, healing and gratitude after receiving the lifesaving kidney transplant that brought her renewed strength.

NEW TOWN – In April 2022, Vonnie Alberts of New Town was diagnosed with Autosomal Dominant Tubulointerstitial Kidney Disease 1 (ADTKD1), a rare genetic disorder she didn’t even realize she had and caused her kidneys to go into end-stage renal failure.

She immediately needed dialysis and would continue dialysis for years while awaiting a kidney transplant.

Alberts is a mother of six beautiful daughters, Vonica, Vivica, Danica, Arikaree, Inaani and Tusweca, and four sweet grandchildren, Sage, Savanna, River and Baby C.

Alberts carries two traditional names. Her Sahnish name is SwaRUx – Rabbit Woman and her Dakota name is Sinte Ska Win – White Tail Woman.

She has a complex immune system so her chances of matching with any donor were extremely rare. Her will to live came from the love for her family, friends and relatives.

After three long years of several doctors appointments, more than 450 dialysis sessions and failed donor matches, Alberts received the ultimate gift on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025, when the Fargo Transplant Team called, informing her they found her a unique kidney match.

Alberts’ daughters said she means the world to them and they are forever thankful to everyone and most of all to the Creator for blessing her. They are saying continued prayers for the young deceased donor and her family whose organs were donated upon her departure, gifting others with continued life. They said miracles can happen and they are extremely grateful – all praise and glory – to the Chief Above and Mother Corn (atna neesu).

This Thanksgiving, Alberts is extremely thankful for this new gift of life. She continues to pray for those still on dialysis, and to those patients who are still awaiting kidney transplants.