DE PERE, Wis. — Michael Scott of De Pere served in the Army for more than seven years. He said when he came back from Desert Storm, he was having health problems. He was then diagnosed with kidney failure and has been living with it for nearly 20 years. He eventually needed dialysis.
Earlier this year, he began a search for a kidney donor. He said he put magnets on his truck to advertise the need and shared it all over social media. That's what caught Amy Henning's eye. She said she called him and told him she wanted to donate her kidney.
Henning said she has family connections to the military and helping disabled veterans is something close to her heart. Now, nearly four months since reaching out to Scott, they're preparing to head to Pittsburgh on Sunday. The transplant surgery is scheduled for Thursday.
"She's my angel. To me, she's a savior. She's actually giving me the opportunity to get back out and help other people," said Scott.
Scott and Henning said they plan to help others together by creating a organization called HOPE; From Me to You. The goal of their organization is to raise awareness of the growing need for living donors and guide them through the process.
"I mean, I'm just one person. Can you imagine what ten people can do and ten after that?" added Henning.
The two said they plan to grow their friendship throughout the years, as well.
Henning reached out to the community through a GoFundMe page to help raise money for the trip to Pittsburgh for the transplant. She said she was able to raise the amount of money she needed and now plans to change the page to a GoFundMe for their organization, to raise funds to help them get started.
If you would like to get involved with HOPE; From Me to You, you can email hopefrommetoyou@gmail.com. You can also donate on GoFundMe here.
