It’s one of the best birthday presents high-schooler Darby Hasting has ever received: a trip to Italy.
Darby, a Durant High School student, left today for the trip, provided by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She returns just days before her 17th birthday.
Darby was diagnosed two years ago with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a rare disease that attacks the kidney’s filtering system, causing serious scarring. Eventually, Darby will need a kidney transplant.
Darby was in Orlando for a Future Farmers of America competition when she discovered something was wrong. She woke up puffy and weak. She was whisked to a hospital in Tampa, where doctors diagnosed her with FSGS.
“I thought, ‘All this from a kidney problem,’” Darby says.
“I don’t think she realized the extent of it at first,” mother, Gloria, says.
Since her diagnosis, Darby has struggled at times. Last summer, she had trouble standing for long periods of time and couldn’t take the heat.
But this year, things have changed. Darby has been feeling much better, and the European vacation couldn’t come at a better time.
“I’m someone who likes scenery, and I saw pictures of Venice in my world history books,” Darby says. “I wanted to see the city of water.
“The timing for this trip is really good now that I’m feeling better,” she says. “It was hectic for me to think that I had to live with this. But, you just got to suck it up. I’m so thankful, and I have had my friends and family supporting me.”
Darby, along with Gloria, her father, Dwight, and younger sister, Cassidy, have a jam-packed itinerary ahead of them. Until May 11, the family will be touring all of Venice and Rome’s prime tourist hotspots, such as Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel.
Darby is most excited to see the Colosseum and take a gondola ride through the waterways of Venice. The boat ride will be complete with a violinist on board.
“It will be neat to see the city of water lit up at night,” Darby says.
In April 2012, Darby interviewed with her “wish granters,” Sandi Sasser, of Plant City, and Dan Mosrie, of Tampa. The volunteers talked with Darby and organized the best “wish” possible, as well as conduct monthly calls.
When she was interviewed, Darby shared several wishes. One was to meet Tim Tebow. Another was to go on a shopping trip in New York City.
But, Sasser and Mosrie loved the idea of a trip to Italy.
Before she left, Darby enjoyed a going-away bash April 29, at Maggiano’s Little Italy, in Tampa. A huge supporter of Make-A-Wish, Maggiano’s and its staff wanted the Hastings to try American Italian food. Darby then will report back to them about the authentic Italian cuisine she samples overseas.
“The party was really, really nice,” Darby says. “They were all hugging on you.”
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
WANT TO HELP?
Darby Hasting has been collecting money for her medical fund through various fundraisers around town. Her most recent — selling fries at the Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival — earned her $1,500.
Make a donation at Bank of America to the Darby Hasting Medical Kidney Fund. Or mail donations to 3807 Young Road, Plant City, FL 33565.