It started with a thought that Amy Reichard said she could not silence in her mind. The AdventHealth Well 65+ practice manager felt she was being called to donate a kidney. And then, something happened that changed everything. “My old boss was driving in Apopka one day and saw a sign and a magnet on the side of (a) car that said, ‘Looking for O positive kidney donor for my daughter’,” said Reichard.
The daughter who needed the kidney was Tiffany Thompson, 24. She was stunned by the good news: “My mom was like, we, we might have a match, someone reached out. And I was like, thank God.”
Just like that, Thompson was on her way to receiving a lifesaving kidney transplant at AdventHealth Transplant Institute, because of the unselfish kindness of a stranger. Thompson said, “The day after I felt so good, no pain, I could breathe.”
Not long after the transplant, the pair went shopping for matching bracelets with matching charms. They plan to meet every November 8, on their “kidneyversary,” to add new identical charms.
“I just wish people could understand how great it is to cherish life,” Thompson said.
Click the video player at the top of the page to learn more about Tiffany and Amy’s special transplant bond.
Nearly 104,000 people are waiting for a lifesaving transplant in the U.S., according to the United Network for Organ Sharing. Of those, almost 600 are being cared for by teams at the AdventHealth Transplant Institute, Orlando’s only solid-organ transplant program.
April is National Donate Life month. If you would like information about organ donation, including how to sign up, click on this link.
12 items. To interact with these items, press Control-Option-Shift-Right Arrow. These items are in a slider. To advance slider forward, press Shift-Command-Right Arrow. To advance slider backward, press Shift-Command-Left Arrow.
News
Find your inner Ironman
The Inspiring Wholeness podcast explains how to start an exercise routine, stay motivated and build endurance safely, to find your inner Ironman.
Social Media Post
AdventHealth leader shares special message on Three Kings Day
Three Kings Day reminds us of the beauty of tradition, faith and the joy of giving, honoring the journey of the Wise Men. Watch a special video message from Sheila Rankin, CEO of AdventHealth...
News
AdventHealth hospitals welcome first babies of 2025
As the world rang in 2025, AdventHealth for Women welcomed the very first babies of the new year.
News
AdventHealth for Children doctor honored with prestigious award
Dr. Joseph Lopez, chief of pediatric head and neck surgery at AdventHealth for Children, was honored with the prestigious Professional of the Year Award at the 27th Annual Don Quijote Awards.
News
Operation Giving Back: How Dr. Ryan Day helps his hometown by performing cutting edge surgery at AdventHealth
Giving back to his hometown, Dr. Ryan Day brings advanced robotic surgery to local patients, offering life-saving care close to home.
News
Healthy hearts, happy holidays: A doctor’s tips to celebrate safely
The holiday season can increase heart attack risks due to overindulgence, stress, and ignored symptoms, but Dr. Hector Lozano advises moderation, staying active, managing stress, and sticking to...
News
The ultimate early Christmas present: Saving your best friend with the gift of life
Transplant is AdventHealth Transplant Institute’s 5000th kidney transplant
News
AdventHealth’s East Florida Division announces regional leadership structure
David Weis has been promoted to serve as president/CEO for the region covering east Volusia, Flagler and St. Johns counties. Lorenzo Brown has been promoted to serve as president/CEO for the region...
Video
Orlando deputies rappel from AdventHealth for Children roof in 8th annual 'Elf Rappel'
Deputies from local fire and police departments dressed as elves and dropped in to visit patients as part of an eight-year long tradition bringing festive cheer to kids and families staying at the...
News
Twin brothers at AdventHealth pursue their health care dream together
For Franco and Felix Valverde, growing up as identical twins meant more than just sharing a birthday—it meant sharing an unshakable bond.
Video
Twin brothers at AdventHealth pursue their health care dream together
For Franco and Felix Valverde, growing up as identical twins meant more than just sharing a birthday—it meant sharing an unshakable bond. Their connection is evident in the way they look at each other...
News
Illuminating cancer: AdventHealth uses new tools during lung cancer surgery to save time, lives
AdventHealth is now using a fluorescent dye that lights up cancer cells during surgery, which is providing faster, more accurate treatment for patients.