Phillip Palmer was inspired to donate a kidney after reading an article about then-NBA star and transplant recipient Alonzo Mourning. Rick Reilly's column mentioned Mourning had received a kidney from a living donor, which "was something I'd never heard of," said Phillip, morning anchor for ABC7 in Los Angeles. He resolved then to one day save someone's life as a living kidney donor. That person turned out to be longtime friend Dale Davis, who became very sick, very fast. "I knew...that I was going to be the match," said Phillip. "That transplant in 2007 saved my friend's life and changed mine forever. I've been given so much more than I ever gave."

Phillip's Story

Phillip Palmer's journey as a living kidney donor begins with a story he read about organ donation. Eleven-time Sportswriter of the Year Rick Reilly, formerly of Sports Illustrated and now with ESPN, wrote a column many years ago about NBA star Alonzo Mourning. Mourning had kidney disease, needed a transplant, and received one from a living donor. "That was something I'd never heard of, and Rick's storytelling moved me to my knees," recalled Phillip. "I prayed that day, and talked with my family later. My prayer was that if a friend or stranger ever came into my life in need of a kidney, I would remember this article, that emotion and asked God to give me strength to act.

"I didn't know Rick Reilly, but I was moved by his column and have always wondered, how many others took action because of that story I read so many years ago? I know he saved the life of my friend. "

Phillip's friend Dale Davis became very sick, very fast. Like many people with kidney disease he didn't even know he was sick, but once his friends learned of his illness and need of a transplant, there was a line of people wanting to be his donor. "But I knew, call it God's still calm voice, that I was going to be the match," said Phillip. "In the end I was just that, and my donation of a kidney in 2007 saved my friend's life and changed mine forever. I've been given so much more than I ever gave.

"I didn't really want to talk about what Dale and I went through because it seemed a very personal part of our lives, but there again was the memory of Rick Reilly and that article. How many people might hear of our story and be moved to act? How many people might have questions about living organ donation but be unable to find the answer or the person to talk to? So we told the story. I answer any questions asked about how I feel, how Dale feels, how the surgery went."

"We need to talk about organ donation. We need to think about it when there is no drama in our life, when things are going great. Organ donation is not a topic you want to think about or decide on when tragedy strikes. Trust me, my decision to help Dale was made years before he ever became sick, and because of that there was great comfort and peace knowing I was ready to help someone in need.

"So, talk to others about your donation decision. You might never know it, but you too will be saving a life."