Strangers No Longer

Danny Robinson of Louisville, Ky. was diagnosed at age 16 with IgA nephropathy - a kidney disease. Things did not look good for the young man unless he could get a new kidney. Family members offered to donate a kidney, but none matched. He was placed on the waiting list, but two years went by and still there was no call.
Then an offer came in from a stranger. Less than 1% of all kidney donations come from strangers, so this was extremely unusual. 
       Danny's story had recently aired over the radio. Kim McIntyre heard it and told her daughter Ashley about it. Ashley was moved by the story and wanted to see if she could help. She first contacted the radio talk show host, then she went to get some tests done. The results came back positive - she was a match!
A meeting was arranged between Danny's and Ashley's families. They connected right away. For the next couple of months, Danny and Ashley texted back and forth, and talked on the phone, seeing each other occasionally, but not wanting to start a serious relationship until they knew for certain if the transplant would work out.
At 5 am, on April 17, they both arrived at University of Kentucky for the double procedure. Dr. Malay Shah performed the transplant surgery and there were no complications in either operation. "Everything went great," Shah said. McIntyre and Robinson stayed in the hospital for several more days to get their strength back, and visited with each other during that time.
After they got out of the hospital, they kept in touch, and by Memorial Day, the two knew that they were meant to be more than just good friends. Danny spent time last Christmas with Ashley and her family, and after Ashley had opened most of her presents, Danny pulled out one more small box. "Will you marry me?" he asked. Of course, Ashley said yes! The couple are now planning their wedding, and are expecting their first baby (due in June). Ashley and Danny have come a long way from just being two strangers brought together due to a kidney transplant. "It's crazy how it all worked," said Ashley. "It was all planned out by God."

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