CINCINNATI — A kidney transplant between an inspirational Coal Grove fourth-grader and her 28-year-old second cousin has been deemed a “success,” the student’s great aunt said Wednesday.

“The surgery went very well, it went really good,” an elated Nancy Black said when reached by telephone. “Peyton and Scott are both in good spirits.”

Peyton Black, a student at Deering Elementary School, had been on a waiting list for a kidney until her second cousin, Scott Black, was found in recent months to be a match.

Peyton was born with V.A.T.E.R Syndrome, a rare gene defect that affects specific parts of the body including the kidneys.

The 13-hour surgery was performed Tuesday at Cincinnati’s Children’s Hospital. Nancy Black said Peyton was awake, but still a little groggy following the procedure and was being weaned off a respirator, while Scott was still dealing with some pain and discomfort.

Born with only one kidney, Peyton has been able to be kept stable since 2002 when she went into renal failure. She had been traveling to Cincinnati with her grandparents every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for dialysis treatments.

Those expenses, along with Tuesday’s transplant and upcoming rehabilitation costs, have rallied dozens throughout the Dawson-Bryant school district and community to come to Peyton’s support to alleviate the financial burden associated with the surgery.

Initiated by the students and faculty at Deering Elementary, “Pennies for Peyton” has raised more than $2,600 for her medical costs.

On Friday and Saturday, a benefit rummage and bake sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to benefit Peyton and Scott Black.

The sale will be held at 2555 S. Eighth St., Ironton. For more information, call (740) 534-9844.

Anyone wanting to donate to the “Pennies for Peyton” campaign can contact the school at (740) 532-6898.