PARKER, Colo. — In the time of social distancing, parades are the way we've chosen to celebrate birthdays and other milestones.
But a group of people that paraded through a Parker neighborhood Sunday wasn't there to celebrate a birthday. They were there to celebrate a special anniversary for 2-year-old Kennedie.
One year ago Sunday, Kennedie underwent surgery to receive a liver at Children's Hospital Colorado.
"She was born with a life-threatening liver disease, and at the time, the only cure for it is a liver transplant," Kennedie's mom, Emily Knaknuhs explained.
The life-saving liver was donated by Katelyn Roth, who was living in Texas when she took the test and found out she could be a donor for Kennedie.
To mark the first anniversary of Kennedie's amazing gift, they planned on having a party, but the coronavirus outbreak forced them to come up with another plan -- a parade.
But they didn't expect that their little parade would draw so many well-wishers.
"It's just amazing, really. I told Katelyn this morning -- I don't think I'm emotionally prepared for all this. I didn't expect the turnout," Knaknuhs said. "I'm in complete shock."
And among those who turned out for Kennedie was the woman who made it all possible.
"This is such a big deal. She is alive today. I just wanted to bring some happiness and joy to her family and really recognize them," Roth said.
The life-saving liver was donated by Katelyn Roth, who was living in Texas when she took the test and found out she could be a donor for Kennedie. Katelyn’s surgery was across the street, at UCHealth.
For more info on how to become a living liver donor, click here.