Donation Stories

One act of generosity becomes a lifetime of impact.

He Gave Her the Gift of Life And a Second Chance at Their Future Together

Melissa Bucci / Kidney Recipient
& Scott Bucci / Living Donor

15 years ago, when he learned that his wife needed a transplant, Scott Bucci was eager to find out if he was a match. Early on in their marriage, Scott’s wife Melissa became ill. As time passed, her illness progressed and began to require more and more medical interventions. Eventually, her illness began to impact…

Kidney Exchange a Lesson in Sibling Love

Hughton Maye / Kidney Recipient
& Sophia Maye-Smith / Living Donor
Evon Walker / Kidney Recipient
& Carol Champman / Living Donor

Hughton and Sophia Hughton Maye faced challenges for years with diabetes. Diagnosed in 2004, he struggled with the treatment and management of the disease. In 2012, his doctors started seeing evidence of his diabetes affecting his kidneys. Keeping a close watch on things, they were able to manage it until 2019 when he received the…

Love Match: Wife donates kidney to husband

Pat Cadwell / Living Donor
& Jody Cadwell / Kidney Recipient

Pat and Jody Cadwell built a life, family, and business together. Married now for 35 years, they never imagined they would also share in the experience of kidney transplantation.  Jody was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) when he was 40 years old.  PKD causes numerous fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys. Too many cysts…

Living donor’s purpose-driven life

Christopher Woody, Sr. / Living Donor

“In life, you have to know your purpose,” these are wise words from Richmonder Christopher Woody, Sr.  In 2013, Woody donated his kidney to his 13-year-old cousin saving his life. Woody didn’t hesitate to get screened to see if he was compatible to donate to him, and once he learned he was a match, he…

Daughter saves mom’s life with kidney donation

Milagros Jackson / Kidney Recipient
& Erica Jackson / Living Donor

“What would I not give to my mom,” exclaims Erica! Erica Jackson and her mother Milagros Jackson have a close mother-daughter bond, but they also share another unique bond. That is because Erica donated a kidney to her mother in 2015. “It’s very possible that I could have lost her,” Erica remembers. Milagros had kidney…

Checking your status could change 75 lives

Did you know organ, eye and tissue donation can save 8 people, and improve life for 75 more? Check your status right now, and sign up to help others have longer, stronger lives.