Transplant Spokesperson Donates Own Kidney

DALLAS (KRLD) - A North Texas woman who has spent her career bringing organ donors and recipients together is stepping out from behind the curtain and donating her own kidney to a close friend tomorrow.

Sometimes it's hard to separate your work from your personal life. But in Pam Sylvestri's case it's a good thing.

The Southwest Transplant Alliance spokesperson became great friends with Jennifer Cox 15 years ago when Cox was donated a kidney. Then this summer Cox had to go back onto the transplant list, because her kidney was failing...at the same time her 24 year old daughter was dying from a lifetime battle with lupus. What Cox didn't know is Sylvestri was getting tested to see if she would be a good organ match for her. When she realized she was a good match, she told Cox that she wouldn't have anything to worry about. Cox said she knows she doesn't, because God will help her.

Sylvestri said, yes he will and he's doing it through me. Cox responded "Oh my Goodness, Oh, my goodness."

Although Sylvestri never had surgery before, her work with the organ bank made this decision a no-brainer for her. She says she has seen hundreds of living donors give their organs away, and it's not as big a deal as people think.

After Cox lost her daughter last summer, she and Sylvestri got even closer. And although Sylvestri is giving the gift of life, Cox has given her a gift far less tangible, but just as important…how to love.

For more information on transplants, visit: www.donatelifetexas.org

Phyllis Smith Reporting for 1080 KRLD