Christmas in May: Blair County woman’s wish finally comes true

BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) – Christmas came early for Blair County 911 Administrative Assistant Wendy Traxler after last year’s wish just came true.

In December 2023, Wendy went out on a limb and told the community that she only wanted one thing, a liver, hoping she’d find someone willing to donate. Five months later, she’s finally crossing it off her Christmas list!

However, this time the gift wasn’t coming from Santa, but rather from the husband of Wendy’s cousin, George Smith.

“I totally appreciate what he’s doing because he is definitely doing a good thing for me,” Wendy said.

But that good thing, wasn’t coming without a good ole price. George made his request known for what he wanted in return for his liver.

“I just want to have a get-together after everybody’s well and have a picnic,” George said.

It was an easy yes from Wendy, although George was not about to just take her word for it. Instead, he made Wendy write up a contract the day before their surgery.

All that was around was a napkin, so putting pen to paper, she wrote this:

The next day, the two were off to Pittsburgh for a 12-hour surgery followed by a week’s hospital stay, but after it all, Wendy said she felt great.

“I love being back home,” Wendy said.

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Wendy is still on the road to recovery, and although it’s looking like a long one Wendy said no matter, she’s simply thankful.

-Thankful for George, her family and last but certainly not least her community.

“Even though I don’t know who they are, I so appreciate them trying that means a lot to me that there’s so many good people out there that’s willing to help someone else out that they don’t even know,” Wendy said.

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