Marine Veterans United by Kidney Donation to Attend the Super Bowl

Inspiration

Feb 11, 2023

Marine Veterans United by Kidney Donation to Attend the Super Bowl

The Power of Giving: The Story of Welsh and Gladwell

In today's world, where greed and self-interest seem to be the norm, it is refreshing to hear stories of people who go out of their way to help others. One such story is that of Welsh and Gladwell, two former military men who first met at a military base in the early 2000s and stayed in touch through social media. This story not only showcases the power of friendship, but also the transformative impact that one act of kindness can have on someone's life.

The Act of Giving

In 2019, Welsh made a post on social media asking if anyone was willing to become a donor. Gladwell responded, and soon learned that he was a 99% match. Despite the risks involved, Gladwell didn't hesitate to make the donation and flew to Philadelphia, where the 10-hour surgical procedure was performed. Welsh was grateful for the donation and called Gladwell his hero. Gladwell, on the other hand, was motivated by the fact that Welsh has a son who is close in age to his own grandson. He didn't want the son to grow up without his dad by his side.

Welsh's Facebook Post

The Super Bowl Trip

The all-expenses-paid trip to the Super Bowl was put together by the Presidents of the Eagles and the Chiefs, Don Smolenski and Mark Donovan. The story symbolizes the unifying aspects of the Marine Corps and the NFL, and the opportunity to bring these two men together was both humbling and gratifying for Smolenski. When Welsh and Gladwell were informed about the trip, they were overwhelmed by the news. Welsh was left speechless, while Gladwell initially thought the call was a spam. The two men appeared on NBC's Today Show, where they shared their story and the impact it had on their lives.

The Power of Giving

The story of Welsh and Gladwell highlights the importance of giving and the positive impact it can have on people's lives. When we give, we not only help others, but we also enrich our own lives. Giving can bring people together and create a sense of community. It can also inspire others to do the same, and create a chain reaction of kindness and generosity.

Fulfillment and Happiness

Furthermore, giving can help us to cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. When we give, we move beyond our own needs and desires and focus on the needs of others. This shift in perspective can bring us a sense of fulfillment and happiness that is difficult to achieve through material possessions or personal achievement.

The story of Welsh and Gladwell is a testament to the power of giving and the transformative impact it can have on people's lives. It serves as a reminder that we all have the potential to make a difference in the lives of others, no matter how small or big the act may be. So let us take inspiration from Welsh and Gladwell, and make a conscious effort to give and make a difference in the lives of those around us.

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.

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How to Become a Kidney Donor

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References

A Chiefs fan donated a kidney to an Eagles fan. Now they're going to the Super Bowl together

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.

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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