Woman desperately needed a kidney donor — until her childhood friend of 40 years Facetimed her to reveal unexpected match
Some incidents have the power to strengthen people's bonds like nothing else. Two women had been inseparable for 40 years and had been there for each other through highs and lows. However, Kimberly Isgar from Florida didn't expect that her best friend, Jennifer Dorgan, would save her life when she needed a kidney transplant after her kidney function dropped below 20 percent. Isgar had been suffering from kidney issues caused by type 1 diabetes, as well as other health concerns, per Local SYR.com.
Isgar's kidney function decreased over the years because of type 1 diabetes. She had been suffering from it for the past 27 years. However, over a year ago, her kidney function suddenly dropped below 20 percent. Doctors had told her that she would have to start getting dialysis, and a kidney transplant was needed to save her life. Her family was well aware that finding a suitable donor was no easy feat. So she was immediately referred to a kidney transplant center, according to the outlet. Isgar got her first appointment after a couple of months. Her near and dear ones soon started getting tested to find a potential match among themselves.
Around 20 people had gotten tested in hopes of giving a kidney to Isgar to save her life. Nonetheless, Jennifer strongly felt that she would turn out to be a match. "I was O positive. My best friend Jen knew that she was O positive, so she kept telling me, 'I got you, I got you.' But there's a lot more that goes into the testing than just your blood type." One fine day, Isgar received a call that revealed that her best friend was a perfect match. Recalling the moment she found out about the new development, Jennifer said, "I was shocked. I mean, I'm not one for a lack of words, and I was at a loss. It was scary and amazing, and it was crazy. I work for a tax accountant, so I learned probably by the end of March that I was a match, that I was able to donate. So, from that craziness of the busy season to donating a kidney was just kind of a whirlwind."
"I went to Florida at the beginning of May, tested at TGH, and we found out shortly thereafter that I was a full-blown match and we scheduled the surgery for the end of June," Jennifer recounted. Isgar got the news about the match soon after. She was really emotional and grateful for her friend who had decided to help her. "I can't even describe it. We both cried. She had FaceTimed me, obviously, because she's in Syracuse and I am down here in Florida. She was just as shocked. We just couldn't believe it."
Jennifer also stayed by Isgar's side for three weeks as she recovered from the surgery at the end of June. "I recovered wonderfully. I am back to work. I feel just so much energy. It's almost like you don't realize how bad you were feeling, and then you get on the other side and it hits you like, 'I was really sick,'" Isgar remarked. "I'll randomly send her a card in the mail. How do you thank somebody who saved your life and who has been in your life for so many years? We've gone through so much together. We've been through celebrations, we've been through grieving, and now this. She literally saved my life."
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