Video: Tacoma barista's kidney donation a success

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SEATTLE – The Tacoma barista who donated a kidney to a longtime customer this week left the hospital Friday.

Sandie Andersen is in pain, but her soul is soaring.

"It's like I just got a new sister," she said.

The Starbucks barista donated a kidney to Annamarie Ausnes, who is expected to leave the hospital this weekend. The two women doing well.

"We have a friendship that now because I have a part of Sandie, I'm family," Ausnes said. "I am going to honor this kidney and do all the right things to take care of this kidney."

Annamarie suffered from polycystic kidney disease. Surgeons left the two sick kidneys in and added the transplant, so she has three.

KING

Annamaire Ausnes suffered from polycystic kidney disease.

If successful, the procedure will save Ausnes from kidney dialysis, a procedure that can be rough on the body

"I'm going to be eternally grateful to Sandie," Ausnes said.

They vow to continue their relationship, meeting at their favorite coffee house.