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
& 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…
Read More about He Gave Her the Gift of Life And a Second Chance at Their Future TogetherKidney Exchange a Lesson in Sibling Love
& 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…
Read More about Kidney Exchange a Lesson in Sibling LoveLove Match: Wife donates kidney to husband
& 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…
Read More about Love Match: Wife donates kidney to husbandLiving donor’s purpose-driven life
“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…
Read More about Living donor’s purpose-driven lifeDaughter saves mom’s life with kidney donation
& 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…
Read More about Daughter saves mom’s life with kidney donationChecking 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.