Greenville Reporter

For Melissa and Jimmy Worrell, a chance meeting at a horse barn in New Jersey led to marriage in 1988 and a life together in North Carolina. Their journey took an unexpected turn when Jimmy was diagnosed with kidney disease and placed on the transplant waiting list. For nearly eight years, he awaited a donor while facing the prospect of dialysis.

Dr. David Leeser from ECU Health Medical Center highlighted the importance of transplantation over dialysis, stating, “Dialysis is a lifeline for many patients, but machines just cannot do the work of an organ that works automatically, 24/7.” He added that transplantation offers patients improved quality of life and longevity.

Despite not being asked by her husband, Melissa decided to get tested as a potential donor due to her O-negative blood type. She recalled, “I knew I was O-negative, so I figured I’d at least get tested.”

Melissa turned out to be a perfect match for Jimmy. With support from a donor advocate at ECU Health who had undergone similar experiences, she felt reassured about her decision. “When you’re thinking about doing this, it’s good to talk to someone who has been there,” she said.

The transplant surgery was successfully completed on November 12, 2024. Following recovery time off from her role as a recreational therapist and volunteer with Team River Runner in Wilmington, Melissa returned to normal activities alongside Jimmy. The successful transplant allowed them to resume their active lifestyle.

“Before, if I asked him to go for a walk, he’d say ‘I can’t do that,’” Melissa noted. “Now we can do things together again.”

The couple enjoys boating along the Intracoastal Waterway and spending time together. Beyond personal gains, Melissa aims to raise awareness about living kidney donation: “It’s amazing how something so small can make such a big difference in someone’s life.”

She expressed gratitude towards ECU Health's transplant team: “I especially want to thank the friendly and caring transplant team at ECU Health who provided great pre and post care.”

The Worrells now look forward to more adventures together with renewed appreciation for life's simple joys.