Unvaccinated girl’s mother denied kidney transplant by Duke gives update.

Teen Denied Kidney Transplant Over COVID Vaccine Receives Operation at Another NC Hospital

Yulia Hicks Receives Life-Saving Operation

Yulia Hicks, a teenager with a genetic kidney disorder, was denied a kidney transplant by Duke Children’s Hospital last year due to being unvaccinated against COVID. However, Yulia will finally receive the life-saving operation at another North Carolina hospital. The Hicks family said that Yulia has already recovered from the virus.

Family Speaks Out

“We are thrilled to announce our daughter Yulia Hicks will finally be receiving her kidney transplant at another North Carolina hospital, on Thursday,” said Chrissy Hicks, Yulia’s mother. “She was denied her transplant at Duke University due to our refusal to give her the COVID vaccine.” The family expressed gratitude to the live donor and thanked everyone for their support.

Recorded Call Reveals Duke Health Official’s Response

A phone call, which was obtained by journalist Alex Berenson, revealed a Duke health official telling the Hicks family that Yulia must get vaccinated against COVID before she could become a candidate for the kidney transplant. The family said Yulia has already contracted COVID and recovered, but doctors told them Yulia’s natural immunity was not enough, according to the recorded call.

Background Information

Yulia was adopted into the Hicks family from Ukraine two years ago. The Hicks family adopted Yulia knowing that she had a genetic kidney condition that would eventually require surgery. The family has set up a fundraiser on GiveSendGo.