Posted by Jeanette Ostrom on Aug 8, 2014 in Albany Success Stories, Donor Heros | 0 comments
When we decided to post our story in August of 2014, we received many positive comments from family and friends sending prayers and well wishes. Approximately two weeks after placing our story on the Kidney Connection website, we were contacted by Kim, who said she wanted to be tested to be our donor. In September Kim and Thomas went for cross-matching. (more…)
Posted by Jeanette Ostrom on Apr 17, 2014 in Donor Heros | 0 comments
Jan 9, 2014
As I sit here reflecting on the last few months of my life, I find myself in awe. Awe of how God leads, awe of how Miracles in fact do happen, and awe as to how I have grown and changed into what I feel is a much deeper, real, genuine person then what I once was not too long ago.
It all began on October 31, 2013. A night that most parent’s found themselves out and about with their young children Trick or Treating. But for me, it was a night that a Miracle began to emerge. (more…)
Posted by on Feb 25, 2014 in Donor Heros | 0 comments

Randy Sherrick
By Randy Sherrick
One day in May 2006 I over heard a fellow Postal Employee say that she was in need of a Kidney transplant. I further over heard her say that she was type O-positive blood and would require a donor with that blood type. After I heard her say she needed a kidney I poked my head into the front office and said that if I was able to I would give her a kidney.
Deb Pastor was always a good, hard working employee for the five years that I had been her Supervisor. We had not always seen eye to eye on every issue. I was in management-she was a union representative, I have been a life long republican-she a life long democrat, not exactly the perfect profile for a two people coming together to share a Kidney. But Deb was in need of a Kidney and I had one more than I needed. Because of our working relationship we both decided to keep the donation a secret until after the actual donation. This secret was further complicated after we had both put in for time off for some medical leave to start on March 25th, 2007 for this kidney swap and then had to each cancel until April 25th, 2007. Deb had gotten weaker from the anti-rejection medication and needed to be healthy for the transplant. (more…)
Posted by on Feb 25, 2014 in Donor Heros | 0 comments

William donated a
kidney to Paul
If you are reading this then you are thinking about helping a stranger. I donated to Paul back in September 2006 and my life has not been the same since. The Lord blessed me not for doing a good deed but for following His orders. I know this… the Lord gave us two of something and we only need one, the Lord does not make mistakes and He would want us to help each other. God bless you on your journey. William Thomas – Kodiak, AK (more…)
Posted by on Feb 25, 2014 in Donor Heros | 0 comments

Lea Cardia
July 29, 2009 – Lea received her life saving kidney from her cousin on July 29, 2009 at Buffalo General Hospital. The surgeries went very well and both ladies are recovering quickly. Lea has persevered through many difficulties related to her health. We are so very happy that she is now on the road to good health, thanks to the love and generosity of her cousin.
Posted by on Feb 25, 2014 in Donor Heros | 0 comments

Ted donated a
kidney to Dudley
June 11, 2009 – Ted Morton donated a kidney to Ted Morton. Ted saw Dudley’s profile on the WNY Kidney Connection and was moved to help him. Both men are doing great. Ted – you are truly a hero. We know you will deny it but we are so proud of you for saving Dudley’s life and giving him time to spend with his family. It was a pleasure meeting you and your wife and Mom. We hope to hear more of this story. (more…)
Posted by on Feb 25, 2014 in Donor Heros | 0 comments

Amy’s childhood friend, Maureen Wirth donated a kidney to Amy at ECMC
December 1, 2008 – Amy’s childhood friend, Maureen Wirth came in from NYC and donated a kidney to Amy at ECMC. Amy was particularly difficult to match, and was initially shocked when her dear friend was a match. After some thought, it became clear that this was meant to be. They were so much alike: Amy and Maureen were both Alden cheerleaders in high school and they ran hurdles on the track team side-by-side. They worked together in downtown Buffalo during college and both share a love for the NFL. Congratulations to Amy and thank you to her wonderful friend Maureen.
Posted by on Feb 25, 2014 in Donor Heros | 0 comments

Julie and Linda
By Kate Day Sager, Olean Times Herald
If Julie Wolf had met Linda Padilla on the street last year, they likely would have passed each other by as total strangers.
These days the two Olean women are as tight as sisters thanks to a kidney transplant Ms. Wolf received from Ms. Padilla in late August.
While both women know the transplant came about from help provided through the Western New York Kidney Connection organization, they also believe the donation was destiny, or even fate. (more…)
Posted by on Sep 26, 2013 in Donor Heros | 0 comments
June 11, 2008 – Kenny received his gift of life. Both he and his wonderful donor Holly are doing fantastic. I will continue to get updates from his Mom and his girlfriend Diana and will keep you posted.
Read Kenny and Holly’s article in the Jamestown Post Journal
Love Thy Neighbor
by Luke Anderson
BEMUS POINT – A Bemus Point family is thanking a good friend and new unofficial family member after she made a life-saving gift to their son.
Kenny Woodfield discovered his kidneys were failing last August after going to the hospital for knee surgery. Since then, he had been undergoing dialysis while trying to find a donor who would be willing to give up a kidney to help him.
(more…)
Posted by on Aug 24, 2013 in Donor Heros | 0 comments

Kathy was Donna’s Hero
February 13, 2008 – Kathy Starkweather and Donna became friends about 8 years ago while working at a department store. Kathy had a son who was born with heart problems 6 years ago and under went open heart surgery when he was only a few days old. ..When it was time for Kathy to return to work and find a childcare provider for her son it was hard to find anyone willing because of the extra special care he needed so she turned to my mother who babysat in her home part-time and requested her services to care for her son. My mother decided since it was getting harder to be on her feet for long hours and having so much pain from her kidneys being enlarged it would benefit both of them if she quit her current position and took on child care full time. (more…)