SPOKANE, Wash. — Back in April of 2022, a little girl named Ruby Mwamba inspired a special report highlighting the importance of organ donation. At the time, the toddler was in desperate need a of a liver transplant.
A donor was found for Ruby, and the surgery transformed her whole life. She’s thriving in school, loves playing with friends, and spending time with family. For much of her life, she was sick, going from appointment to appointment, and left in a state of limbo as the family waited. The Make-A-Wish Foundation reached out to them wanting to make a wish for the little girl come true. Immediately, they wanted to use the opportunity to help others. That’s when the idea for a children’s book was born. For months, the family has been working on it. “It’s been a long year and a half, but Ruby is doing so well,” said her mother, Mel Mwamba. Especially on release day, when friends and family could finally see and read her special story, ‘Ruby and the Brave Bracelet. A True Story of Courage, Hope and Faith.’ “This wish is very unique and so special,” said Kathryn Mueller with Make-A-Wish. “You can tell reading and books…have really helped them through difficult times.” Her father Gabriel said escaping reality by getting lost in a book was at times the best medicine. “When Ruby was going through a lot of pain, the only thing that would comfort her is her mom reading her a book,” Ruby’s father Gabriel Mwamba said. The goal of the book was to reach other families who can relate to their pain. It will be donated to area hospitals. Make-A-Wish ensured key players from Ruby’s medical were there for the release of the book. “We are so grateful,” the family said. The book also features a QR code link to our special report, ‘Link to Life’ inspired by Ruby. The family hopes the book will continue to get people talking about the importance of registering to become an organ donor. They say they think of the family of Ruby’s donor daily and continually pray for them. If you’re interested in becoming an organ donor, please visit here.
