TACOMA, Washington (CNN) -- At a time when she really needed a miracle, Annamarie Ausnes found one in an unusual place. Sandra Andersen, right, donated a kidney to Annamarie Ausnes. Last fall, Ausnes, 55, was one of nearly 75,000 Americans in need of a kidney. Today, she is recovering from a successful kidney transplant -- thanks to her local Starbucks barista. Sandra Andersen only knew Ausnes as her upbeat morning customer who always ordered a short cup of coffee. What Andersen didn't know was that Ausnes suffers from a genetic kidney disease called polycystic kidney disease. When both of her kidneys began failing, she was placed on a kidney transplant waiting list.
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Nearly 75,000 Americans need a kidney transplant
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Annamarie Ausnes told her story to a worker at her regular coffee shop
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The barista, Sandra Andersen, tested and found out she was a potential donor
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Both are doing well after a transplant procedure on March 11
Annamarie Ausnes
Annamarie Ausnes
Ausnes
Ausnes
Annamarie Ausnes
Across the counter, @placeholder confided in her barista: Her kidneys were failing rapidly and no one in her family was a match.
Sandra Andersen
Sandra Andersen
Andersen
Sandra Andersen
I knew I had to find out as much info as possible," recalls @placeholder.
Sandra Andersen
Sandra Andersen
Andersen
Sandra Andersen
I'm just trying to do too much," laughs @placeholder, explaining why she's tired.