Saved by a Stranger: The Gift That Changed Scott’s Life

For Scott―a former news broadcaster, avid hiker, cyclist and traveler―a genetic kidney condition had always loomed in the background. After watching his mother battle polycystic kidney disease (PKD), he was tested early and began decades of careful monitoring with his nephrologist.

But in 2009, his doctor delivered the news he’d long feared: Scott had reached end-stage renal disease and needed a kidney transplant.

“After that appointment, I went out to my car and cried,” Scott shared. “I was completely unprepared to hear that. The timing certainly caught me off guard, but having watched my mom overcome similar challenges, I knew I could find my way through it too.”

Taking Control of His Journey

A kidney transplant can come from a living or deceased donor. Scott’s doctor emphasized the advantages of receiving a kidney from a living donor, as it can often last for 15-20 years, although individual experiences may vary. The benefits and risks associated with organ donation should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Faced with a daunting timeline, Scott decided to take charge. He leaned into what he knew best: the power of authentic storytelling. Drawing on his broadcasting and public relations roots, Scott wrote a deeply personal email about his health journey and sent it to everyone he could think of―hoping his story might reach the right person.

“It was a real emotional rollercoaster ride after sending that email,” Scott said. “Some days, you feel good and optimistic and other days you think this is never going to happen.”

It was encouraging that many in Scott’s network went and got tested to see if they were a match. Each time someone came forward, it reinforced that people were listening and it offered him a glimmer of hope. As time passed, however, Scott’s worries about finding a living kidney donor grew.

“I would pass people on the street and think they could be a match, but they have no idea who I am or that I need a kidney,” Scott shared. “I reminded myself to be patient and hoped that my story would reach the right person.”

Then one day his prayers were answered by an unexpected source.

The Knock That Changed Everything

As it turns out, Scott wasn’t the only person who had emailed everyone he knew. A friend shared his story with all her contacts, which reached a woman named Denise. Denise was inspired by Scott’s story and decided to get tested. After discovering that she was a match, she was compelled to help Scott.

Denise believed the best way to share good news was in person and was eager to see Scott’s reaction to her decision.

“The last thing I expected was that someone would literally show up on my doorstep ready to donate their kidney to me, especially someone who I barely knew,” Scott said.

“Denise wrote me a handwritten note that said, ‘If you want one of mine, it’s yours’ and handed me a can of red kidney beans,” Scott recalled. “I was immensely moved. For over a year, I felt like I was falling―waiting for someone who might be willing to help―and Denise caught me.”

For Scott, finding a living donor provided an alternative to dialysis and time on the kidney transplant waitlist, which can be 3-5 years on average for a deceased donor. While Denise was eager to share the news with Scott, living donors also have the option to remain anonymous.

A Second Chance at Life

September 10^th, 2010 – the day that Denise and Scott underwent the kidney donation and transplant process – changed everything for Scott.

After working closely with his healthcare team and recovering from surgery, Scott wasted no time getting back to the outdoor activities that brought him joy: running, hitting the golf course, biking and traveling the world. It wasn’t until Scott had the opportunity to live life with a healthy kidney that he realized just how sick he had felt for so long.

Sixteen years later, Scott still marks his transplant anniversary with a thank you message to Denise.

“I’m overwhelmingly grateful to Denise for her generosity and the impact she made on my life,” he said. “This kidney is the greatest gift I’ve ever received, and every day, I’m determined to take care of myself and this priceless gift I’ve been given.”

Grateful for the support that carried him through his transplant journey, Scott now shares that same hope with others. He was inspired to become a mentor to those waiting or looking ahead to the road of transplant and decided to join the Kidney Transplant Connectors program to share his real-life experience with others.

“The only way I know how to give back is by talking to others, either people looking for a donor or those considering donation, about my experience,” Scott shared. “It helps me feel like I am paying it forward.”

Scott’s story is a powerful reminder that organ donation can change lives and build lasting connections. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of living kidney donation. You can also register as a deceased organ donor today to help save lives.

Scott is a real patient whose story reflects his real-life experience with end-stage renal disease and kidney transplantation. However, individual experiences may vary. He was compensated for his time creating this content. The health information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes only. Your healthcare professional is the best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

Learn more about our mission to protect the promise of transplant here.