For so long as I live, I’ll never forget the horrifying and sinking feeling that washed over me when my family was told my dad was so sick that the only way to save his life would be for him to receive a transplant. The likelihood of him receiving a successful transplant was slim to none and so, while I held on to the hope that a miracle would happen, I also began to brace myself for if one didn’t.

Not only was a perfect match found for my dad, but the transplant was a success and my dad is with us today. A true miracle. Someone else experienced a true transplant miracle and that someone is the nephew of Barbara Meaney, our Market President at Townsquare Media- Binghamton. If this isn't a story of selflessness and true love, I don't know what is.

Barbara Meaney
Barbara Meaney
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Colin DeGonzaque is a 15-year-old sophomore at Henniger High School in Syracuse and this poor young man had spent his entire life in and out of hospitals because of kidney failure. Six months ago, doctors said that Colin's only hope was for a new kidney. There’s no doubt that the news was devastating to Colin and his family, but Colin’s big brother, 19-year-old Wesley, a sophomore at Onondaga Community College, didn’t hesitate to volunteer to get tested on the off chance that maybe he’d be the match that would save his little brother’s life.

Amazingly, Wesley was a virtually perfect match and underwent the operation at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse last month. Wesley was honored to be able to give his brother a kidney, explaining that this was his chance to be there for Colin and to do something to help him after seeing him sick for so long.

Barbara Meaney
Barbara Meaney
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The transplant was a success and both brothers are excited to spend a lifetime together in good health. Wesley says that he and his little brother now share a "forever bond."

"I love the guy!" Colin told People Magazine. "The fact that he put his life at risk proves that he loves me too."

Barbara Meaney
Barbara Meaney
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According to the National Kidney Foundation, 12 people die every single day right here in the United States because they need a kidney transplant, but aren't able to get one. There are roughly 101,000 people in the United States who need a kidney, but only 17,000 will receive one this year. That means 84,000 people are living life with an uncertain future. 84,000 people. Let that sink in.

If you're interested in learning more about being a living kidney transplant donor, visit the National Kidney Foundation's website.

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