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From the outside looking in, one would think Natalie Cole is having a tumultuous year. Despite battling hepatitis C, publicly revealing that she was in need of a kidney transplant, and losing her older sister, Timolin Cole, to cancer in May, the Grammy Award winner has managed to successfully recover from a recent kidney transplant.
Prior to her surgery, which took place at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, the 'Unforgettable' singer was expected to make a full recovery in three to four months.
Luckily, the 59-year-old singer has recuperated faster than doctors predicted.
Natalie Cole Pictures
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - AUGUST 13: Musicians Natalie Cole and Johnny Mathis at the Annual Harold Pump Foundation Gala Honoring Magic Johnson And Bill Russell at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, on August 13, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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Singer Natalie Cole attends the annual Harold Pump Foundation gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 13, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California..Annual Harold Pump Foundation Gala.The Beverly Hilton Hotel.Beverly Hills, CA United States.August 13, 2009.Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic.com..To license this image (58104417), contact FilmMagic.com
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Singer Natalie Cole attends the annual Harold Pump Foundation gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 13, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California..Annual Harold Pump Foundation Gala.The Beverly Hilton Hotel.Beverly Hills, CA United States.August 13, 2009.Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic.com..To license this image (58104387), contact FilmMagic.com
WireImage.com
Singer Natalie Cole attends the annual Harold Pump Foundation gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 13, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California..Annual Harold Pump Foundation Gala.The Beverly Hilton Hotel.Beverly Hills, CA United States.August 13, 2009.Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic.com..To license this image (58104387), contact FilmMagic.com
WireImage.com
Natalie Cole attends the HollyRod Foundation’s 2009 DesignCare event honoring Michael J. Fox on July 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California..HollyRod Foundation’s 2009 DesignCare Event Honoring Michael J. Fox.Los Angeles, CA United States.July 25, 2009.Photo by Todd Williamson/WireImage.com..To license this image (57989075), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Natalie Cole attends the HollyRod Foundation’s 2009 DesignCare event honoring Michael J. Fox on July 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California..HollyRod Foundation’s 2009 DesignCare Event Honoring Michael J. Fox.Los Angeles, CA United States.July 25, 2009.Photo by Todd Williamson/WireImage.com..To license this image (57989075), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Singer Natalie Cole attends the HollyRod Foundation's 2009 DesignCare event on July 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California..HollyRod Foundation’s 2009 DesignCare Event Honoring Michael J. Fox.Los Angeles, CA United States.July 25, 2009.Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic.com..To license this image (57981342), contact FilmMagic.com
WireImage.com
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer Natalie Cole (L) and actor/singer Jamie Foxx backstage at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer Natalie Cole, winner of the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album "Still Unforgettable" poses in the press room during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer Natalie Cole, winner of the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album "Still Unforgettable" poses in the press room during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
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"It's remarkable what a new kidney does to your life," Cole expressed yesterday in Beverly Hills at Magic Johnson and Bill Russell's Harold Pump Foundation Gala. "I have no complaints. ... I'm pretty amazed. I have been working on my stamina."
Although Cole is prohibited from knowing who blessed her with the life-saving organ, she is aware that the family of the deceased organ donor specifically requested that the kidney go to her. "I don't know who they are. I have not met them; it's all anonymous." she told People magazine. "That's what was so awesome. Their family basically requested that the kidney go to me. We are not sure how they knew."
Over the past couple of months while she was in Los Angeles recuperating from surgery, the 10-time Grammy Award winner had a superior circle of family and friends supporting her.
"My sisters who live in Florida, they came out, my son, oodles of friends," she added. "I got sick in New York. I wasn't at home. I didn't know how many good friends I had until this happened. It was beautiful. I had people come and see me every day in the hospital for 10 days."
As for offering advice to others in need of a transplant, the 'This Will Be' songstress recommends that "they have a circle of friends like I did. I was very blessed."
On Sept. 9, Cole will make her return to the stage for the previously announced Hollywood Bowl, while earlier dates for her 'Still Unforgettable' tour, originally set to start June 5, will be rescheduled.
Comments: (45)
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By: Bryan on 8/19/2009 12:30AM
Dear UrbanPrincess,
You are a beautiful spirit and I am glad God brought our spirits together. God is Love and he loves us all of all denominations. He has to if he has the whole world in his hands.
I just pray he accepts the ones who want to know of him in his sight and forgive the non-believers. God knows the ones on this Earth that try to live his way catch natural hell on this Earth. Every day is a struggle but our joy is in his Love..
I am so proud of Natalie and her growth in the Lord. Have you seen her on the TBN Gospel network show? Natalie's power continues to grow in the Lord and her gift is her voice. I hope she records a gospel cd but she says she really does not have a gospel voice but it doesn't matter if you are singing for the Lord. All I know is when she performs gospel live, the whole congretation is up on their feet.
See, Urban, God is not threw with Natalie yet. Natalie loves the Lord and He loves her.
God bless you Urbanprincess and continue to pray for me and the rest of this world. I love all my friends of different religions and races. We all our God's children.
Stay blessed,
Bryan
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By: Urbnaprincess on 8/19/2009 7:50AM
How sweet Bryan,
What a beautiful spirit you are! LOL:-) No, I haven't seen her on TBN? The only thing I watch on TBN sometimes is Crefllo Dollar Ministries or I might watch him on BET in the mornings. You talk about a good and comical Minister but is serious in his work? Crefllo will have you on your feet and you will be laughing, so full of joy, and in tears. Check him out, because the message he gives is so inspiring and powerful!
Maybe by Natalie singing for the gospel and maybe one day, she might be an advocate for Diabetes in educating Diabetes awareness and inspire others, and spread the "Word of God"? Maybe, this will be God's plan for her? I just pray that she takes time to off to heal mentally and physically? God comes first in my book but in the same time, your health should be more important than making $$$$ and being in the spotlight. Ms. Natalie should know that her family, friends, and fans aren't going nowhere. No need for her to rush to the stage. I too, pray that God accepts the ones who want to know of him in his sight and forgive the non-believers.
God Bless you and rake care. I will continue to pray for you and people in this world too!
Peace
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By: Urbanprincess on 8/19/2009 7:53AM
I meant to say "take care". Sorry, it's early.
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By: Carol Hines on 8/19/2009 5:26AM
I am so happy for her. Although, some may feel that she needs to 'sit still' awhile, only God knows just how much she can/can not do. After all, if it wasn't for Him, she may not have made it, she may not be here still.(Praise be to Him). And who knows, getting another chance at Life, she just may be anxious to 'get up' and enjoy it that much more! God bless her. And may He KEEP blessing her. I am happy for you, Natalie.
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By: Ronny Ballard on 8/21/2009 11:11AM
God bless you Natlie. I pray that you will be 100% before long. I loved your dad and I love you just as much. I love the songs "Looking Back" and "Pretend" that your dad sang.He was a wonderful man and you are a beautiful and wonderful lady. GOD BLESS
Ron B.
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