Joe Boyce, 56, battled kidney disease until his kidney failed. He started a social media campaign, in the hope that he might find a match with someone who is willing to donate one of his kidneys. The man who gave her the kidney was no stranger.
Boyce isn’t taking her independence lightly this July 4.
The truth is that his health, his mobility, and his independence from a future on dialysis were all made possible by a very kind neighbor.
“My wife and I always have these conversations like, ‘We can never repay that,’ and you know, it’s a struggle,” Boyce said.
Back on June 6, Boyce received a kidney from Liz Haines, 46, and Haines has a lot going on — she has four kids and a job.
“When we first started, we weren’t sure how fast the process would go,” she said.
However, it certainly happened – Boyce’s kidneys were failing and he was on a waiting list. Wait times in New York State are anywhere from five to seven years for a single donor.
The community in Wantagh got the news after Boyce’s family started a website.
The Hanes live right in the corner of Boyce—they have two kids in the same grade school, but their families weren’t originally best friends.
Haines’ gift was really next level – and he hopes people understand that recovery was a lot easier.
“I would say I felt really good for like two weeks,” Haynes said.
Haines said that perhaps she made the right choice because she lost her mother when she was only five years old.
Haines said, “My dad was probably the most selfless, caring person I’ve ever been. So I think it really inspired me to do that.”
Haines then lost his father in December.
“I’m indebted to him—for paying it forward,” Boyce said.
This is a gift that will definitely keep on giving.
Read also | Bereaved family speaks out after grandmother is killed and stampede in Brooklyn
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