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Kenneth Walker and Charlie Ball

Kenneth Walker of Washington D.C. was in dire need of a kidney transplant and wasn’t sure how it was going to happen when a miracle came in the form of a classmate he barely knew years ago according to CNN.

Walker was working in South Africa at the National Public Radio as a bureau chief when he got sick. Misdiagnosed, he didn’t receive that right treatment and by the time he got back to the United States his condition grew worse and caused him to need a kidney transplant quickly.

Putting his name on every wait list, a close friend of his from high school made a suggestion of checking with their high school to see if anyone was a match.

Walker obtained a list and sent an email out titled “A request for life” to his former classmates at Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, D.C.

“It is nearly impossible for me to come to terms with what I must ask of you, and that is your help in finding a kidney donor so that I can have a chance to improve my quality of life — and perhaps even to extend it beyond the expected span of a dialysis patient,” wrote Walker.

In his email, he continued to share that getting a healthy kidney for transplant is a difficult process but understands if they weren’t comfortable doing it. No matter what, Walker wanted to raise awareness of kidney disease.

“Consider being an organ donor after death and also, help me by sharing my story with everyone you know. At the very least, I want to bring awareness to kidney disease and living donation,” he wrote. “I am hopeful my efforts will help me receive a kidney sooner and encourage others to consider helping the many people on the waitlist.”

Just like that, in less than 15 minutes he received a response from Charlie Ball saying, “I will call the hospital in the a.m.,” he wrote. “I pray that you get what you need.”

completely caught off guard by the response Walker grew suspicious. He explained that Ball’s decision as a white man helping a Black man is something special to see especially in the nations current state.

Even as Ball offered his kidney, the possibility of not getting it loomed as doctors don’t typically take kidneys from people over 60. However, Ball was in good health and able to be a viable candidate.

Before flying to Washington D.C. where Walker was, Ball got tested in California. Nervous at first, Ball realized his zeal for volunteering fit right in with his ability to help Walker.

After a successful surgery, both men are looking forward to recovery and getting back to life. “There are so many strange coincidences,” Ball said. “Well, I don’t believe in coincidences, I believe in miracles.”

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(Source: CNN )

(Photo Credit: Twitter)