Hi-Line Heroes – Paula Miller and Wilma Van Valkenburg

A hero is a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his or her brave deeds and noble qualities. Heroes come in many forms in life. We look up to our heroes. They are role models, shining examples of what we should be. They are selfless, genuinely good persons. Often, they are willing to risk their own life to save another.

About a month ago, Kip Van Valkenburg walked to the front of our church just before the closing prayer.

"Excuse me," he said, "but I just needed to say something before we left. Ten years ago, a woman in our congregation stepped forward and gave the gift of life to my wife Wilma. Her name is Paula Miller."

Then Kip went on to explain that, 10 years ago, Wilma was in desperate need of a kidney. The minister announced the need from the pulpit and asked the congregation to be in prayer for a donor.

"To make a long story short, Paula Miller answered that need and was a perfect match. Wilma is here today, 10 years later, because Paula Miller chose to honor God with the gift of a kidney."

I've known both of them for quite some time. When I thought of writing some "Hi-Line Heroes" stories, my thoughts went immediately to Paula and Wilma. Shortly after the successful transplant, I became mesmerized by their story and felt compelled to write about these two special women in our community. And so, I did ... 10 years ago.

Here's the background: In 1999 Wilma became ill was diagnosed with membranous nephropathy. Only two in 10,000 suffer from this kidney disease. By March 2012, Wilma's health had deteriorated to the point where she was assessed for a potential kidney transplant. She was approved for a transplant and could either look for a live donor or an inactive deceased donor.

Chad Leathermon, associate minister of Fifth Avenue Christian Church, announced from the pulpit that Wilma needed a kidney and asked the congregation to pray that God would provide an active donor or an inactive deceased donor.

Paula Miller was not in attendance on that particular Sunday but heard of the unique request, and said later that "a voice plainly said to me, 'Talk to Wilma.' That same voice kept prodding me over the next few months to respond."

It didn't happen overnight. Paula started with steps she knew she could handle: filling out the initial application, then a phone interview and many, many tests.

"At every step God and I asked, 'Can you do this, Paula?'"

Before she knew it, Paula was committed to sharing a kidney with Wilma and she realized that it wasn't Paula's plan but truly God's plan.

The surgery was scheduled for November 20, 2012, at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. And as they say, "The rest is history." The success has been phenomenal and doctors have been in awe since Day One.

The other day, I sat down and visited with Paula and Wilma. "Ten years!" Wilma said, "It's hard to believe that it's been that long since Paula gave me a new kidney and a future. Even before the surgery ended, her kidney stated working for me! And unbelievably, it has. I've not had one issue or problem. Occasionally there's been some medication adjustment. I've had COVID twice and Paula's kidney pulled me through."

Wilma continued, "I've been able to work, not full-time, but I'm still working at E-Nell's. Every six months I go to Billings for a checkup. Most of the time there is no change or very little."

"Dr. Shaefer, my kidney doctor, always says, 'Time and patience, Wilma, time and patience.' But I've added Faith, Time and Patience. I've lived by that motto. Without the prayers and support of my family and my church family, I wouldn't have been able to get through."

"Kip (her husband) has been my rock. I would never have made it without him. He has sacrificed so much for me. We go way back. When we first met, I was not a Christian. He introduced me to Christ."

Paula Miller lives in Gildford. She and her husband, Dale, and their two sons Justin and Jarod and their families, are farmers and ranchers. But it seems Paula is never idle. She can be found delivering mail or substitute teaching. Her talents are many, including cooking for Rodeo Camp at Little Rockies Christian Camp each summer.

"How have you been these past 10 years?" I asked Paula.

"Well, after healing from the surgery, really there's been no change. My blood pressure was up for a while but at my six-month checkup it was better and the doctor said 'Go have a good life.' And I have."

Dale, her husband, chimed in as Paula talked about her life after giving a kidney to Wilma, "You're colder." Paula admits that she is colder. A year after the surgery, Wilma mentioned to Paula that she was colder. "You gave me the cold kidney," Wilma teased. Paula believes the reality is that they are both getting older ... and colder.

Paula shares the joy she receives from seeing Wilma healthy is beyond words. "It's been a spiritual walk for me. Not to just donate one of my kidneys to Wilma but to encourage others to be donors, also."

Paula relates that they were at an American Simmental Cattle Association convention. The CEO's wife had been asked to donate a kidney to the Association's secretary. "Should I, or shouldn't I?" "Absolutely!" was Paula's immediate response. The CEO's wife did donate a kidney to the secretary and all are doing well.

Another time, a dear friend of Paula's was at Glacier Park. Someone mentioned that there was a man in Cut Bank that needed a kidney. "I feel like I should volunteer, but I'm not sure." Paula's friend answered, "I know just who can help you with the decision. Here's Paula Miller's number!"

"It's been a personal blessing to be able to encourage people to become donors. I've never regretted it and I doubt if I ever will," added Paula.

Paula and Wilma recalled the surgery 10 years ago. Paula was first. They removed a kidney, flushed it and got it ready to give to Wilma. The doctors deemed it healthy. They took it to Wilma who was prepped and ready. To everyone's surprise it started working even before the final stitches were in place!

Paula named the kidneys "Kylie" and "Kevin." Kylie went with Wilma and Kevin stayed with Paula.

Rowlie Hutton was the minister at Fifth Avenue Christian Church for quite a number of years. He often talked about how God "works upstream," meaning God has things happen in your life that prepare you for something that will be needed later. "That was the way it was with me. I started attending Fifth Avenue 30 years ago. I first met Wilma and Kip when I was covering sports for the Havre Daily News and traveled to Turner. I met their kids and then I met them. God was preparing me, even then."

So, who is the Hi-Line Hero? Paula? Wilma? I'm sure Paula would answer, "I was just doing what God called me to do." And Wilma would respond, "I owe my life to Paula."

The heroism didn't stop 10 years ago. Paula shares the joys and pleasure of being a donor and making life possible by giving of oneself. And Wilma is always living a life worthy of the gift she received.

"Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7

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Ila McClenahan is a retired chaplain and activity director living in the Amos area north of Havre. She spends her time writing, speaking at various events and trying to be a good grandmother, mother and wife.