Two decades ago, an incredible connection began with UNC Health’s first living non-directed kidney donation from a UNC Health nurse to a woman in need of a kidney transplant. 63-year-old Chapel Hill resident Anne Kelly and 69-year-old Clayton resident Debra Norris share their unique story of selflessness and gratitude and an instant unbreakable bond through one kidney.
The crisp fall morning of October 23, 2024 is one Debra Norris and Anne Kelly will remember fondly forever. Kidney recipient and donor met each other face to face 22 years after Anne donated her kidney to whomever was next to receive a life-saving kidney at UNC Hospitals, and that was Debra. Both women are now forever connected through one single kidney donation.
“I knew this was an opportunity to help someone not be sick anymore,” Anne said. “I believe that God guides my steps and he called me to be a donor. He called me to be a nurse. It’s really following in my faith about what that means to care for someone.”
Twenty-two years ago in January 2002, Anne became the first non-directed kidney donor, which is an anonymous donation to a stranger in need, at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. Now 63, she was a 40-year-old nurse at the hospital back then.
Read more of this story on the UNC School of Medicine Newsroom.