LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, USA: In a remarkable tale of friendship, resilience, and medical triumph, Tywa Hughes and Otwe Mayfield, who have known each other for 30 years, find their stories entwined in a life-saving journey. Nine years ago, their paths intertwined once more when Otwe was diagnosed with kidney disease, an ailment that had already claimed the lives of his father, uncles, and an older cousin.
Placed on a transplant list following total kidney failure, Otwe faced the daunting realities of dialysis. Meanwhile, his wife Jackie utilized social media to search for a living donor. Tywa, a friend from decades past, immediately volunteered upon seeing the request on Facebook, committing herself to testing for compatibility.
Shockingly, before the transplant could proceed, Tywa was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her immediate situation forced her to pause the donation, yet she overcame the illness with a determined spirit. Choosing a double mastectomy, Tywa battled through and was eventually medically cleared for the kidney donation.
In a twist of fate, just as Tywa was about to present her recovery as a surprise at Otwe’s birthday, he revealed he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Despite this setback, Otwe went through cancer surgery, which paved the way for the kidney transplant process to resume. On March 14, 2023, at Jewish Hospital, the successful transplant marked the culmination of their long and arduous journey.
Tywa explains her motivation for the donation, highlighting her sense of gratitude for a life once saved and a determination to pay it forward. The triumph not only restored Otwe’s health but also deepened their friendship, turning every subsequent day into a celebration of life and hope.
