STORY SUMMARY
In North Carolina, a generous act of kindness is making waves in the transplant community. Laura Akens, a PE teacher at Pender High School, has donated one of her kidneys to a stranger, enabling her former student, Khik Batty, to move up on the national transplant waiting list. Khik, who suffers from chronic kidney disease, has faced significant health challenges since childhood, including multiple hospital stays and two devastating floods that destroyed his family’s home. Thanks to Akens’ selfless decision, made possible through a UCLA voucher program, Khik is now better positioned for a life-saving kidney transplant as he prepares to enroll at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. This extraordinary bond between the Akens family and the Battys highlights the deep connections formed through hardship and hope in the face of adversity.
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FULL STORY
In the United States, approximately 100,000 individuals are currently on the waiting list for a kidney transplant, with a stark reality facing many: about a thousand people are removed from this list every month due to death or deteriorating health. A compelling story from North Carolina highlights the unique bond formed between a teacher and her former student, resulting in a significant act of kindness. Laura Akens, a physical education teacher at Pender High School, made the selfless decision to donate her kidney to a stranger in order to improve the chances of her former student, Khik Batty, receiving a much-needed transplant.
Khik, diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at birth, has endured multiple health challenges linked to his condition. As his existing kidney began to fail, Laura felt a calling to help him by donating one of her healthy kidneys. Through a program initiated at UCLA in 2014, she was able to donate to a stranger while ensuring that Khik would move up the national transplant list. This heartwarming gesture brought joy to Khik, who affectionately considers Laura a “second mom,” while also raising challenges for her husband, who initially expressed concerns about the risks involved.
On July 29th, following a vacation, Laura made her way to Duke University for the donation procedure, which lasted approximately three hours. Although Khik is still awaiting a new kidney, he has embraced the support from Laura and her family throughout his journey, and he is now preparing for college at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The emotional support provided by the Akens family has played a vital role in Khik’s life, especially during difficult times, including the devastating effects of Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Florence on their home. Through hardship and hope, the enduring connection between Khik and Laura exemplifies the profound impact of compassion and community.
