Provo Woman Hiking Encounter Turns into a Life-Saving Kidney Donation for Stranger!
In a heartwarming story that demonstrates the power of kindness and human connection, a woman from Utah County has given a life-saving gift to a total stranger she met during a hike.
The two crossed paths on Y Mountain, just above Brigham Young University, in September 2023.
Krissy Miller, a 49-year-old mother of four, was enjoying her day hiking when she struck up a conversation with another hiker, Shiller Joseph. During their chat, Joseph shared his struggle with lupus, a chronic illness that was affecting his kidneys.
He explained that he had been waiting on the donor list for a kidney transplant, uncertain of when his turn might come.
In a spontaneous and selfless act, Miller immediately offered her kidney. Despite being strangers, she felt moved to help.
As fate would have it, when they underwent medical tests, they discovered that Miller and Joseph were a perfect match.
This moment was the start of an extraordinary bond between the two. After their initial meeting, Miller didn’t hesitate to move forward with the kidney donation. She met up with Joseph again, this time bearing a gift. Joseph assumed it was a simple box of rolls, but inside, along with the food, was a special sign that revealed something far more precious—Miller’s official offer to be his kidney donor.
It was a moment of joy and disbelief for Joseph, who had been anxiously awaiting the chance to receive a transplant.
The pair reunited at Intermountain Health in Murray this past Monday after the successful surgery.
Both are recovering well, and their story is spreading as an inspiring example of how unexpected connections can lead to life-changing results.
This incredible act of generosity and selflessness reminds us that meaningful and profound moments can happen even in casual encounters, like a hike.
Krissy Miller’s decision to donate her kidney is a testament to the goodness that still exists in people.
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She gave a stranger a second chance at life, and their story reminds us of the unexpected ways we can help one another.