Lindsey Cunningham
Living Kidney Donor
“My brother Drew’s life began with uncertainty. Hours after he was born, he needed emergency surgery for VACTERL syndrome- a condition that affected multiple systems in his tiny body, including a life-threatening issue with his esophagus. Drew also entered the world with only one complex, horseshoe shaped kidney. Doctors warned my parents that he might never live a fully healthy life, but Drew has spent every year proving them wrong. He grew into someone strong, steady, confident and just adventurous enough to keep our mom on our toes. Even though I’m older, I’ve always looked up to him.” shared Lindsey.
“I’ll never forget the day our Nana passed in 2007. I sat outside, overwhelmed with grief and Drew simply sat with me and held my hand. No words. No fixing. Just quiet strength. That’s who he is.
In February 2025, his story shifted again. A routine appointment turned into an emergency. A blockage had damaged his only kidney, and he was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. He started dialysis immediately and spent nearly a month in the hospital. Through it all, he never complained. His wife, Cathryn, stood beside him with unwavering love.
By September, he was approved for the transplant list. That’s when my part began. On November 12th, I went in for bloodwork to see if I could be a match for my brother. I was unsure of what being a living donor truly meant; I just knew it was the next right step. On December 1st I opened an email that read, “You are a perfect match.” I cried at my desk. A doctor later told me, “You’re the most perfect candidate I’ve ever met.” After a lifetime of trying to be perfect at something, I had finally found the thing that mattered most. I was perfect at being my brother’s kidney donor.
Was I scared? Yes, but I felt peace every step of the way. When something is truly right, it quiets the fear.
We received our surgery date: May 14th. The same day that our Nana passed away in 2007. A day once marked by grief became a day of redemption, healing and life. Our transplant took place and afterward Drew called me his hero. I told him he’s always been mine. He smiled and said, “Now we can be each other’s.”
His new kidney is working beautifully. His numbers are the best they’ve been in years. My body is healing too and while the road is long, our gratitude is deeper than words. This journey has become a story we’ll tell for the rest of our lives- a story of quiet miracles, steady love and a God who was present in every detail. A story that began with a brother holding my hand in grief, and years later, allowed me to hold his hand in hope. Full circle.”
