Unique Kidney Donor Connection Stories
These stories highlight how kidney donors can come from anywhere. Coworkers, strangers online, family exchanges, or even random newspaper readers.
Each connection carries its own unique spark of humanity.
- Flight Crew Connection – Alaska Airlines
Captain Jodi Harskamp donated her kidney to flight attendant Jenny Stansel after hearing her plea for help. (Article) - Gym Buddy to Best Friend
Two men who met at a gym in Charlotte, NC, became close friends. Years later, one donated his kidney. (Article) - Stranger on a Website
Steve Small received a kidney from Debra Hughes, who found his profile on the Kidney Connection website. She donated to him even though they had never met before. (Article) - Facebook Connection
Liz Casperite, living with polycystic kidney disease, connected with a stranger on Facebook who became her living donor. They now call each other “kidney sisters”. (Article) - Donation Leads to Discovery
Robb Layne donated a kidney to his friend Doris Pittell. During testing, doctors discovered Robb had cancer, saving his life too. His attempt to help a friend ultimately saved himself. (Article) - Celebrity Friendship – Selena Gomez
Actress Francia Raisa donated her kidney to her close friend Selena Gomez after learning she was a match. (Article) - Newspaper Connection
Martha Gershun read about a woman in need of a kidney in her local Jewish Chronicle. Though they had never met, she reached out and ended up being a perfect match. (Article) - Family Chain Exchange
Ellie Tomczak’s daughter donated her kidney to someone else in a paired exchange program, which allowed Ellie to receive a kidney from another donor. A family’s gift sparked a chain of lifesaving transplants. (Article) - SkyWest Flight Attendant Story
Tonuah Trujillo, a SkyWest flight attendant, needed a kidney. Her coworkers and family spread the word through a Facebook page, and she eventually found a match through her airline community. (Article)
Related Posts:
How I Imagine Meeting My Donor
The Search for a Living Kidney Donor
Other Transplant Stories – Blog Category