In January of 2017, a Reddit user from Oklahoma with the user name “TheBartian” donated one of his kidneys to a complete stranger.
Three months later, this hero received a letter from the individual whose life was saved by this selfless gesture.
In response to that moving response, TheBartian has shared the man’s letter online, along with his motivation for donation, in the hope that it will spur others to make this same incredible decision.
Scroll down to familiarize yourself with a story that has received over 40,000 upvotes on Reddit, along with endless praise and admiration…
This is the Letter He Received
This is what it says: “Hello, my name is [redacted]. I am 63 years old and I have a son named S. When S. was 6 years old his mother passed away after battling cancer for 5 years. This has put me and my son very close. After many years I remarried a lady named [redacted]. We live on a small farm in a town called [redacted]…”
Continues the Letter:
“I now have 3 grandsons named [redacted], [redacted],and [redacted]. My son and my 3 grand sons are my life, I do not do anything without one of the 4. Because of the gift you gave me on Jan 5th 2017 I think I will get to see more basketball games, more baseball games, and more football games…”
It Concludes:
“I really want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, because of you I am going to have a better and longer life.”
The Gesture Was a Long Time Coming
In a series of message, TheBartian explained in detail why and how he arrived at this decision.
If at First You Don’t Succeed…
… try, try again to be a hero.
It’s Not an Easy Process
That’s what makes this story even more amazing. It wasn’t some quick decision made without any real though being given. He had to REALLY want to do it.
Everyone Can Do This
If you are healthy, you can save a life. Simple as that.
It Wasn’t Even That Bad!
The side effects and the physical fallout were certainly worth the positive consequences on the other side.
Simple Logic
“Share a spare.” It’s as obvious as that, right?
Important Numbers
According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 101,000 Americans need a kidney… but only 17,000 people receive one each year.
Dude, You’re Awesome
The praise has continued to pour in for this hero.
He Isn’t Alone
Thankfully, there are others out there like this Reddit user.
The Grandest Gesture of Them All
We salute TheBartian and we admire every aspect of what he did here. What a courageous person.