Lewistown, Pennsylvania, firefighter Tyler Smith recently donated a kidney to his fellow firefighter and friend, Joseph Williams, after having met less than a year ago when they were working together at the same station. At age 25, Williams was diagnosed with kidney disease. When his condition worsened last year, he began regular dialysis, which limited his ability to keep fighting fires and raised concern among his fellow firefighters.
Smith and another firefighter volunteered to get tested as potential donors. “I was the only one that came back compatible,” Smith shares. The transplant surgery took place on March 20th at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. “We got here at 6:15 in the morning and on the operating table by 7:30 a.m.,” says Williams, who adds that they were both sore afterward but made it through together.
Doctors tell Smith that his donation could add 30 to 35 years to Williams’ life. The chance to help his friend live long enough to be there for his kids was all the motivation Smith needed. For both men, the surgery was an act of hope and friendship.
Source: WTAJ