Today’s blog is dedicated to a couple of incredible people. Tracy Webb Olson and Candy Collins Brown. They are two women I am honored to know, but what they mean to each other is more than life itself.

I don’t know how long Tracy and Candy have known each other, because I met each of them for the first time in high school. I do know they were incredible friends to each other. Flash forward almost 25 years since graduation. The two are still friends even though they live across the country from each other. And this week, one has made the trek to save the other’s life.

Without knowing any technical or medical details, I can tell you that Tracy suffers from kidney disease and failure. This, unfortunately, runs in her family. I believe her twin brother, as well as her father, have both had kidney transplants. Just a few years after her twin’s surgery, her kidneys failed as well. Tracy has been on dialysis for over a year (maybe more). I emailed with her a bit over the last several months, and found out she was on a 5 year waiting list to receive a kidney.

After learning this, I started to research the process for live donation. It’s interesting to know, that, in a nutshell, the kidney dialysis lobbyists spend a lot of time and money making sure that information on live organ donation is not easy to find. This information was disheartening to me. I couldn’t believe that many lives have probably been lost because they never made it through the wait list period.

I prayed a lot for Tracy, and even considered checking to see if I was a match. God was clear to me that this was not my gift to give. And I understand perfectly today why He said that.

When I saw Candy 3 years ago at our 20 year high school graduation, I learned that she had MS. From what I remember, she was on medication, and overall having good days and bad. I think it was about a year later Candy learned, from a second opinion, she did NOT have MS. Either she never had it, or was miraculously cured.

Candy has flown across the country and is preparation today to give one of her kidneys to her longtime friend Tracy. The gift of friendship is one that is precious. The gift of life from your friend is God’s work on this earth. I don’t believe if Candy still had MS, she would be able to donate. I like to believe this is all God’s plan.

God loves every soul on this earth, so whether you believe in him, or just believe in saving lives, please pray tomorrow for Candy, for Tracy, and for ever medical professional involved in the surgery. Pray for life, for Tracy and for Candy and that God’s hands will be there guiding the doctors.

Tracy, you are an incredible gift to this earth, and to every person you encounter. You are loved and we all can’t wait for you to be healed. Candy, you too have an incredible soul. You have overcome sickness of your own, and are here, selflessly, saving your friend’s life.