Pharmacist Saves Customer By Donating Kidney

A North Carolina pharmacist saves her customer’s life by donating her kidney to him. More than 30 years ago, Donnie Pickeral was diagnosed with a rare genetic kidney disease. He braced for the reality that his kidneys would only function for another couple of years, but he made changes to his diet and lifestyle and his kidneys served him well for three nearly three decades.

But then in 2019, Pickeral’s kidney function had dropped to under 10% and his doctor told him that he would need to start dialysis or get a transplant. He mentioned to his pharmacist, Kathleen Kirkland, that he was on the transplant list. Pickeral met Kirkland in 2017 and was so impressed with her knowledge and care that he switched his pharmacy to the Kernersville CVS where she works. The day Pickeral told Kirkland he needed a new kidney, she told him she wanted to donate hers.

Kirkland was tested and found to be a perfect match. So in May of 2020, the pair had a successful transplant surgery. Pickeral is now in great health and is grateful for Kirkland’s generosity, calling her an “angel from heaven.” But Kirkland doesn’t think what she did was all that extraordinary. "I just feel like I did a good thing and helped someone when they were in need," she says.

Source: USA Today


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