Through his career in tissue banking, Kevin Noyes has long understood the importance of and the need for organ and tissue donation. In March 2011, the need became very personal when he learned that Marlin, his high school math teacher and father of a close friend, needed a kidney transplant. Drawing on his conviction to do the right thing, Kevin underwent testing and was found to be a match for Marlin. The only glitch was that Kevin needed to lose weight, which he accomplished by the transplant date of June 1, 2012. Kevin hopes his story inspires others to explore the opportunity to donate and offer the hope of restored life for someone like Marlin.

Kevin's Story

Through his career in tissue banking, Kevin Noyes has long understood the importance of and the need for organ and tissue donation. In March 2011, the need became very personal when he ran into a close friend and his father, Marlin. In their small town, Marlin is well known as he is a math teacher at the local high school and has touched the lives of many students throughout his tenure. His health however was declining. Marlin had been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and would need a kidney transplant.

"One goal in my life, other than being a good husband and father, has been to do the right thing," said Kevin. Drawing upon this conviction, Kevin "nonchalantly told my family that I would be Marlin's kidney donor. I informed my wife Samantha that this was something I wanted to and was going to do."

Unbeknownst to Marlin, Kevin contacted the University of Minnesota, completed preliminary blood testing, and was found to be an acceptable match. There was one glitch, however: Kevin's BMI (body mass index) was too high. In late August, Kevin finally shared his plans with Marlin and his wife, Lois.

For the next several months, Marlin worked to maintain his health and Kevin diligently worked on his physique. "If this was going to happen I had to get off my behind," recalled Kevin. "This transplant wasn't going to fail because I was too lazy to do something." By February 2012, Kevin was well on his way to his target weight, and the next sequence of testing began.

On June 1, 2012, and at one pound under his goal, Kevin donated his kidney to Marlin. "Knowing that our son was not a close match, Kevin was a godsend for me and my family," said Marlin. "I wish there were more Kevins in this world. Hopefully his example and his family's love and courage will give many more the strength and commitment to become living donors."

As for Kevin, he is matter-of-fact. "I have never thought of it as a big deal. He needed a kidney, I was a match. It was truly as simple as that." Kevin hopes his story inspires others to explore the opportunity to donate and offer the hope of restored life for others in need, like Marlin.