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Donor Heros

Our Donor Heroes are our reason for celebrating. These persons are REAL Life Savers. There is no way we can emphasize what a difference they make in the lives of the persons who receive their lifesaving gift.

 

Please read our Donor Heroes' stories to learn how the decision to become a living donor impacted their lives and how they came to the believe that this was the right thing to do.

To learn more about the persons listed here and read their stories you can click on their photo or the "more" link.

 
One day in May 2006 I over heard a fellow Postal Employee say that she was in need of a Kidney transplant.  I further over heard her say that she was type O-positive blood and would require a donor with that blood type. After I heard her say she needed a kidney I poked my head into the front office and said that if I was able to I would give her a kidney...more...
William If you are reading this then you are thinking about helping a stranger. I donated to Paul back in September 2006 and my life has not been the same since. The Lord blessed me not for doing a good deed but for following His orders. I know this... the Lord gave us two of something and we only need one, the Lord does not make mistakes and He would want us to help each other. God bless you on your journey. William Thomas - Kodiak, AK ... more...
Lea July 29, 2009 - Lea received her life saving kidney from her cousin on July 29, 2009 at Buffalo General Hospital.    The surgeries went very well and both ladies are recovering quickly.  Lea has persevered through many difficulties related to her health.  We are so very happy that she is now on the road to good health, thanks to the love and generosity of her cousin.

Dudley and Ted

Ted donates a kidney for DudleyJune 11, 2009 - Ted Morton donated a kidney to Ted Morton.  Ted saw Dudley's profile on the WNY Kidney Connection and was moved to help him.  Both men are doing great.  Ted - you are truly a hero.  We know you will deny it but we are so proud of you for saving Dudley's life and giving him time to spend with his family.  It was a pleasure meeting you and your wife and Mom.  We hope to hear more of this story...more...

 

Matches for Life by Rich Place, Jamestown Post Journal

Jerry and Mary

Jerry Johnson
Jamestown, NY

Jerry received a kidney from his wife Mary.  Story to follow
Rich Rich Selden received his kidney from a friend who stepped forward.  More story to follow.

Amy
Maureen and Amy

December 1, 2008 - Amy's childhood friend, Maureen Wirth came in from NYC and donated a kidney to Amy at ECMC. Amy was particularly difficult to match, and was initially shocked when her dear friend was a match.  After some thought, it became clear that this was meant to be.  They were so much alike:  Amy and Maureen were both Alden cheerleaders in high school and they ran hurdles on the track team side-by-side.  They worked together in downtown Buffalo during college and both share a love for the NFL.  Congratulations to Amy and thank you to her wonderful friend Maureen.
Julie

August 20, 2008 - Julie received a kidney from a wonderful woman she met on the WNY Kidney Connection!  Yes, this is our first successful transplant story in which the donor and recipient were brought together on this site.  The surgery was at Buffalo General Hospital.  Julie says that she and her donor Linda are both feeling great.  She is grateful and relieved to be off dialysis.  Julie's daughters are thrilled to be able to help Julie and Linda while they recover.  They are like family now. more...

Congratulations to Julie, and thank you to her wonderful and generous donor. 

Kenny

June 11, 2008 - Kenny received his gift of life. Both he and his wonderful donor Holly are doing fantastic.  I will continue to get updates from his Mom and his girlfriend Diana and will keep you posted. more

     Read Kenny and Holly's article in the Jamestown Post Journal

Love Thy Neighbor , by Luke Anderson

Donna and Kathy

February 13, 2008 - Kathy Starkweather and Donna became friends about 8 years ago while working at a department store. Kathy had a son who was born with heart problems 6 years ago and under went open heart surgery when he was only a few days old

. 

Kathy's son is now 6 years old and is healthy as can be. Kathy said that for this reason she decided to test for Donna... more... 

Debbie

September 20, 2007 - Debbie and Linda were childhood friends. 

When Linda read that Debbie needed a kidney in her church bulletin she offered to be her living donor. 

Isn't that an awesome story?... more

Mike

August 6, 2007 - Mike Riley's sister donated a kidney to her brother.  That's what I call brotherly love!  Congratulations to both. ..more

Christina and Allison

July 27, 2007 - Christina Smith gave the gift of life to Allison Lantz.  Thank you so much Christina - you are truly a hero.  Allison has a very close family and I know that she is grateful that you are now a part of it.  God bless you both. 

Allison's definition of a hero:  Anyone who considers themselves truly happy, anyone who lives life the fullest, anyone who can stop and appreciate the little things that life has to offer, anyone who doesn't take things for granted. And Christina Smith. She saved my life. ... more

Gordy and Vic March 7, 2007 - Gordy received his life saving kidney transplant at Buffalo General Hospital from Vic Cornelio, an altruistic donor.  Thank you to Vic and his wife Linda.  This is the beginning of a wonderful friendship with Gordy and Lucy.... more 
Karyn and Diane December 13, 2006 - Karyn Anderson from Minnesota donated her kidney to Diane at Buffalo General Hospital.  Both are doing great. Thank you so much Karyn for helping our wonderful friend Diane.  We're so happy that you and your sister Kathryn have become a part of our lives.  WE LOVE YOU, Patti, Tina and Jeanette ... more...  

 

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