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Our story wouldn't be complete without sharing some happy endings that are really new beginnings. Here are some examples of people who were saved by the generosity of a donor who was willing to give the gift of a kidney. 
This is what this website is all about.

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

 

list

Don Carey

Hi Jeannette, I am thrilled to report that Don received a kidney on May 15th. Unfortunately, this was a result of a tragic accident. However, Don is now home and doing as well as can be expected.

We both thank you for your site, your support over these past few years and especially your caring. My prayer is that this transaction now moves someone else on the list one step closer to their gift of life.  Again, many thanks and much appreciation.  May God bless you, your fellow organizers and the families connected via the WNY Kidney Connection !  

Mike Carey

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Daniel Summerville
Buffalo, NY

 

Our List

 

Isaac Gray

March 17, 2010 - Happy St. Patrick's Day - Green for Organ Donation!!!  Ike met his donor Anne after she read William Thomas's My View Article on the WNY Kidney Connection.  Both Ike and Anne are doing great.  We hope to hear more about there story and Ike will tell his story about what he felt when Anne first called him.  It was a very emotional experience indeed.  God Bless you Anne - Can't wait to meet you and talk over a plate of Ike's famous ribs!!!!
Our List
George Pavlock
Jamestown, NY
March, 2010 - George and Denise received the call that they have been waiting for.  Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family who made the life-saving decision to donate their loved ones organs - your generous act of kindness has saved and enhanced so many lives, not only to the recipients of your gift but to their families. 

Sam Pellerito

February 10, 2010 - Sam Pellerito received the Gift of Life from his son Chris. 

Cindi Dietzen

Cindi Himelein Dietzen

January 6, 2010 - Cindi's husband Mike was her loving donor.  Mike - you are our hero - what a gift to give your wife.  Mike and Cindi are both doing well and we hope you will let us know all about it on the Kidney Connection.

Our List

Matt Laktko

October 19, 2009 - Matthew has received a kidney/pancreas transplant at ECMC on Monday October 19th he is doing wonderful.

We feel so blessed and humbled by the donation. We thank the kidney connection for all their efforts.

Jamie Latko

Our List

Teresa Brunner

September, 2009 - During the past two and a half years, Teresa Brunner had kept a packed bag of clothes at her house just in case a phone call would come telling her that a kidney donor had been found for her.

A little over a month ago, that phone call finally came through with the voice on the other end telling her to come to the Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) in Buffalo as soon as possible for a transplant operation. More....

Lea

Lea Rios

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

Dudley Williams


Dudley and Ted

Ted and Dudley

Ted donates a kidney for DudleyJune 11, 2009 - Dudley Williams received a kidney from 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. 

 

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

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

Mickey

Mickey Wygent

May 13, 2009 - I just wanted to let u know that Mickey recieved a kidney on May13,2009.  The kidney is doing well-- a little slow but Mickey is doing fine.  She's sitting up in the chair, smiling and hardly in any pain.  She is at Buffalo general hospital and should be home in a few days.  Her stay is usually 5 days the drs. said.

Denise

Christina

Christina Piazza

March 31, 2009 - Fred Piazza Jr. and his wife Christina have dealt with the unexpected death of a loved one, an eviction and the result was a feeling of hopelessness.

But at a time when everything seemed to be going wrong for them, a phone call came in that would change their lives — this time for the better.

‘‘On Tuesday, my dad called me and said that he got a call from the hospital in Buffalo and the first thing I thought is that something happened with my other brother, because he’s a tow truck driver,’’ Piazza Jr. said.  But they were calling to say that they had a kidney for my wife, and I couldn't believe it. It's " truly a miracle.''

Joe

Joe Russo

February 25, 2009 - Hello Everyone!
Well it's been three and half years and I got the call on Feb. 25th. We were so excited, its hard to say what we were felt like. I had my operation at 3:30 in the morning till about 11:30 on the 26th. It took a few days to work after some miner complications. Then one morning at about 3AM. it kicked in, I was so happy I wanted to call someone, anybody. Since then things are going great so far.
I just want to thank you so much for having me on your list, keep up the good work you all do.
Kidney Transplant Recipient
Joe Russo Jr., Dunkirk, N.Y.
Maurice Clemons
Buffalo, NY
January 30, 2009 - My name is Maurice Clemons, of Buffalo,NY.   I am happy to say God Blessed!   On January 30th 2009 I got  a call from Buffalo General Hospital to say they had,    a kidney for me.  Since the operation I have been doing fine with the help of the Good Lord.    I have moved my Wife of 11 years and our two daughters to Savannah GA.    I thank my donor,  the weather is Great here and we are blessed!   I thank GOD for the whole Buffalo General Transplant Team,

 

Christina

Dziadzio
N. Tonawanda,
NY


 

 

Delores

Delores Seastrom

December, 2008 - Delores Seastrom received the call she had been waiting for.  We wish you well.   God Bless You and our heartfelt sorrow and thanks go out to your donor's family. 

Amy

 

Amy Nash

Maureen and Amy

Amy and Maureen

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

Julie Wolf

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

Kenny Woodfield

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

David

David Pachucinski

May 2008 David received a kidney from a living donor.  We are so happy for you and your family.  Our love to your 2 little children. ... more

John

John Vaughn

February 20, 2008 - John received his call that a deceased donor's kidney was a match for him.  Congratulations John - God Bless You and our heartfelt sorrow and thanks go out to your donor's family. .. more

Donna and Kathy

Donna Ellis and Kathy Starkweather

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. When it was time for Kathy to return to work and find a childcare provider for her son it was hard to find anyone willing because of the extra special care he needed so she turned to my mother who babysat in her home part-time and requested her services to care for her son. My mother decided since it was getting harder to be on her feet for long hours and having so much pain from her kidneys being enlarged it would benefit both of them if she quit her current position and took on child care full time. 

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 my mother, she said "You were there when we needed you, when no one else was. You have done so much for us, that I want to do this for you, I love you, you are like my family." Life is amazing, the Lord works in mysterious ways and it is because of him that they were brought together so many years ago, he had a bigger plan in mind for both of them when they met.

Their match was a match made in heaven. Donna recieved her kidney transplant in Buffalo General Hospital. The Doctor said Kathy had very strong kidneys and that my mother was so lucky to have such a wonderful friend. My mothers creatinine level is now normal 0.08 with in 1 week of the transplant and feels like she has so much more energy already. Kathy the donor was discharged on Friday the 15th and Donna was discharged on Tuesday the 19th, both of them are doing well. .. more 

Steve

Steve Lundberg

October 2 , 2007 - Steve's wife Michele let us know that Steve received a kidney early this morning at Buffalo General Hospital.  Steve has endured so much in the past two years, we are all thrilled that he finally received "the call!"  What a blessing for him and his family... more

Debbie

Debbie Kuhn

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

Ken

Ken Berry

August 21, 2007 - Ken's son Vernon informed us that everything went good, the surgery was a success and that his Dad did very well!   He wishes the best of luck to every one else waiting. .. more

Mike

Mike Riley

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

Christina and Allison

Ali Lanta and Christina Smith

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

Gary

Gary Light

July 3, 2007 - Congratulations to Gary, who is Tammy Light's brother and Diane Krzyzanowski's cousin.  All 3 have received their gift of life within the last 6 months.  God bless them all.  How amazing! ... more

Sue

Sue Coney

April 29, 2007 - Sue was called Saturday to receive her kidney.  We are all so very happy for you and your family. We wish you all the best and we will hope to see you soon... more

Tammy

Tammy Light

April 29, 2007 - We love you Tammy and we are so happy you received your Gift of Life.  Tammy was also called Saturday afternoon and by Saturday night she was recovering and doing beautifully.  What a blessing to Tammy and her family.... more 

Ray

Ray Rydelek

April 8, 2007 - Ray received his gift of life on Easter Sunday.  We are so happy for him and his family.  Ray was very hard to match, so it was truly an Easter miracle.... more 

Margo

Margo Blum

March 24, 2007 - Margo received her kidney on this date.  We are so happy for you Margo!  Best of luck to you and your fiance.... more 

Gordy and Vic

Gordy Long and Vic Cornelio

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 
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March 2, 2007 - Congratulations to Charles Lewis who received the wonderful gift of a new kidney on this date.... more

Karyn and Diane

Diane Krzyzanowski and Karyn Anderson

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  • Diane in the News

Paul and William

Paul Cardinale and William Thomas

September 13, 2006 - William Thomas donated a kidney to Paul Cardinale at Buffalo General Hospital.  They are both doing well.  This is the first transplant in New York in which the donor and recipient met on line.

Your website is looking good! If you are reading this then you are thinking about helping a stranger. I donated to Paul back in September 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

Brian

Brian Loveless

August 25, 2006 - The new computer 17 year old Brian Loveless received a week and a half ago from the Make-A-Wish Foundation was only his second wish.

His first wish was for the kidney transplant he needed — a wish that was fulfilled late last week.  Congratulations!  ... more

 

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