First published 2024-10-10 07:55:37
Kelly Gillan, a physical education teacher at West High School in Davenport, recently shared her inspiring decision to donate a kidney to her husband’s longtime friend, Carson Coons. The story began when Coons revealed that his kidneys had failed after a prolonged hospital stay. His father posted on Facebook asking for a kidney donor, prompting Kelly and her husband to consider the possibility. After learning about the process and undergoing tests, Kelly discovered she was a match, leading her to make the life-changing decision to donate.
The donation process, though long and testing, filled Kelly with excitement and hope. She and her husband kept the news a secret from Coons and his family to avoid disappointment in case she wasn’t a match. When Kelly was confirmed as the donor, the couple was able to surprise Coons and his family with the good news, which left them overwhelmed with gratitude. Kelly described the moment as one of the most exciting of her life, as it marked the beginning of a new chapter for her friend’s health journey.
Kelly hopes her story will inspire others to consider organ donation, emphasizing the impact of organizations like the National kidney Registry (NKR). She explained that even if people are not a match for someone they know, they can donate to a stranger and still help their loved ones get a match. Her students, who were initially shocked by the decision, have since learned valuable lessons about selflessness and putting others before oneself. Kelly believes this experience has imparted a powerful message about doing the right thing, and she encourages her students to reflect on the importance of helping others.ess in organ donation.
