When 22-year-old college student Kiersten Miles from New Jersey took a babysitting job to help pay for her studies, she thought she was simply stepping into a part-time role. Through a mutual friend, she connected with the Rosko family, and before long she was caring for their three children.
What she didn’t expect was to form a life-changing bond with their youngest daughter, little Talia.
From the very beginning, Kiersten and Talia clicked in a way that felt almost like family. Talia’s laughter, her trust, her tiny hand reaching out — these simple moments quickly grew into something deep and lasting. But behind Talia’s bright smile lay a frightening truth: she was suffering from a rare, life-threatening liver disease.
Doctors told George and Farra Rosko that their daughter’s only chance at survival was a liver transplant. It was devastating news — the kind no parent ever wants to hear. And it was in that moment, without hesitation, that Kiersten stepped forward.
“If part of my liver can help, then I want to do it,” she said.
The Roskos were stunned. They had never asked her for such a thing, and they made sure not to pressure her. Donating part of your liver isn’t like giving blood — it is major surgery, with pain, risk, and a long recovery. But Kiersten was resolute. She applied immediately to be a donor.
When the results came back, the news was nothing short of miraculous: she was a perfect match.
On January 11, 2017, Kiersten and tiny Talia were wheeled into the hospital together for a grueling 14-hour surgery. Surgeons carefully removed a portion of Kiersten’s liver and transplanted it into Talia’s fragile body. The Roskos waited anxiously, hearts pounding, praying for both their little girl and the young woman who had so selflessly chosen to risk everything for her.
The surgery was a success.
Kiersten awoke sore and weak, but alive and filled with relief. Talia, still so small, now carried inside her the gift of life that Kiersten had given. Over the days that followed, both began to recover. Talia’s tiny body responded to the transplant, her strength returning, her energy growing.
Today, Talia runs, plays, eats, and lives as every toddler should. Her laughter fills the Rosko home again. And at the heart of her story is a young woman who chose sacrifice over self-interest, love over fear.
Kiersten has never once regretted her decision. She doesn’t see herself as a hero, but as someone who did what felt right. Yet to Talia and her family, she is nothing short of extraordinary.
Some people really do have hearts of gold. Kiersten’s act of courage and compassion reminds us that even in a world full of hardship, selflessness still shines.
Because sometimes, family isn’t just the people you’re born to. Sometimes, it’s the ones who show up, stay close, and give you the gift of life itself.
