Dream come true for kidney recipient, throws first pitch at Tigers game

DETROIT (WXYZ) - 2012 has been an amazing, life-changing year for little Jai’wan Davis-Harbour.

Two monumental things have happened within a few months for the 11-year-old. 

First he recently received the kidney he desperately needed to save his life.

He named the organ Pinocchio Two because it is giving him a chance to be what he calls a real boy.  7 Action News spoke to Jai’Wan about the successful surgery at Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan in May.

Second, Jai’wan, a huge Tigers fan, just got to experience another dream come true.  He received a gift from the Gift of Life Michigan just in time for his 12th birthday at the end of July.

“I get to throw out the first pitch at the Tigers game,” said Jaiwan Tuesday afternoon, a few hours before the game.

It was the first Tigers game for his whole family. They even watched the team’s batting practice, and met some players.  Jai’Wan’s mother Cherisse Davis-Harbour believes watching her son throw the first pitch is symbolic of a new chapter in his life.

“It’s a journey.  It still is a journey but a blessed one and I’m happy that the time came,” said Davis-Harbour.  “It’s Divine Order and I hear they are playing the Angels and it’s the angels that made this happen.”

Jai’Wan, his mother, and the Gift of Life Michigan are all grateful because one person, one donor has given Jai’Wan another chance at life.

“Through it all we always have to remember that in order of Jai’Wan to live… someone had to die.  Someone made an important decision and that was to save another person’s life and we eternally thank the donor,” said Betsy Miner-Swartz from the Gift of Life Michigan,

 In just a couple of weeks there is even more excitement for Jai’Wan.  On July 28th he will be an honorary member of Team Michigan in the transplant games of America.

Next year he hopes to compete.

If you would like to donate go to GiftOfLifeMichigan.org .