Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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It's the story of one man who saw a colleague in need and didn't hesitate to help.
They may look like an unlikely pair, but Anthony Pires is a perfect match for Toni Hanson Owens.
They're not related, not even close friends, just co-workers at AAA. But when Anthony heard Toni needed a kidney, he offered her one of his.
Anthony Pires/ Kidney Donor: "I asked her, 'I want to test to donate a kidney for you.' And she said, 'Nah, nah, nah.'"
Toni Hanson Owens/ Kidney Recipient: "I thought he was kidding. But then about the eighth or ninth time said, 'Ok, here's some information.'"
Toni was born with just one kidney, and it's no longer working the way it should. She was getting set for dialysis when Anthony came along.
Toni: "It's all I can do to get through the work day then go home and go to bed. I want to wake up with a new-found feeling of energy that I forgot what it felt like to have."
Thanks to new surgical techniques, donating a kidney has gotten safer and easier.
Dr. William Bry/ CPMC Transplant Surgeon: "The improvements of laparoscopic surgery that allow us to remove the kidney with a smaller incision so there is less post-operative pain and a quicker return to work."
Before they head to the o.r., it's time for a few more pre-op tests, an ekg and chest x-ray to be sure it's a go.
Surrounded by family, Anthony has their full support.
Katrina Pires/ Anthony's Daugther: "I think it's great. I think it's very good. He's saving someone's life and he's a very generous person. It doesn't surprise me that he's doing something like this, but I am very happy he's doing it. I think it's great."
Giving of himself, and setting an example for all.
"I can't put it into words. I don't know what to say, it is so incredible of a gift."
What's also surprising is that two other people in the same office came forward to get tested. Surgery went well and both are now at home recovering.
