A Life-Saving Act of Kindness: The Story Behind a Kidney Donation Sparked by a Facebook Post

Kim Pratt from North Kingstown, Rhode Island faced a life-threatening situation when she learned in 2014 that her kidneys were failing. Her doctors had little hope that she would live beyond 48 hours. However, against all odds, she survived, but needed a transplant to continue living. Kim spent five years on dialysis, her main concern being to make it through each day to be there for her children.

The Kindness of a Stranger

Finding an organ donor is not an easy task. When CJ saw Kim's Facebook post that she was looking for a kidney, she eventually offered to donate her kidney. CJ's decision to donate her kidney was influenced by the loss of her first love, Jonathan, who passed away while waiting for a heart transplant. She did not want anyone else to suffer the same fate while waiting for an organ.

Expressing Gratitude

The unconditional kindness shown by CJ is remarkable. Kim expressed her gratitude, saying that CJ was the "needle in the haystack" that made it possible for her to live. Everyone who helped Kim along the way was like a feather, but CJ was the one who gave her wings.

The Power of Organ Donation

Kim and CJ's story is heartwarming, and it highlights the importance of organ donation. Organ donation can save lives, and it is essential to recognize the power of selflessness and the kindness of others. Even though we may not always know it, there are people in our lives who are willing to go above and beyond to help us in our time of need.

How You Can Give

If you are inspired to save a life and donate a kidney, you can find out how to do so in this article.

Podcast

This post is based on this StoryCorps Podcast

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How to Become a Kidney Donor

How Organ Donation and Transplantation Works

‍‍What is Dialysis?

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References

The Facebook Post That Led To A Kidney Donation: “You messaged me. And you didn't know me”

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‍About the Author

Rich Foreman brings over 30 years of technology leadership to his role of CEO and Co-Founder of KidneySoft.  As founding CTO, Rich led the team that developed the CordicoShield / CordicoFire Wellness App. Cordico was honored with the Sacramento Innovation Award in 2021. After achieving a 7 digit ARR, Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020. Rich has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy. Rich co-authored his book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." Rich's blog was listed in Top 20 Marketing Mobile Blogs of 2014. He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is a regular contributor to TechWire.net and StartupSac. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber. He was also the Founding Chief Technology Officer at Cordico. Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020.  Rich also served 4 years as a Naval Officer in the Civil Engineer Corps.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.

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