Former College Roommate Donates Liver To Friend He Hasn't Seen In 21 Years
February 15, 2022
A man in New Jersey is donating part of his liver to save his former college roommate who he has not seen in 21 years.
Richard Koonce and Steven Robinson
Steven Robinson, 57, was on a family trip to Detroit when he realized his old friend, Richard Koonce, lived nearby.
Koonce, 62, invited Robinson and his family over, but Robinson was taken back by Koonce's considerable weight loss.
That's when Robinson learned Koonce has been battling a rare liver disease called primary sclerosing cholangitis, or PSC, since 2019. He had tried various treatment options with little success, and was seeking a living donor for a liver transplant.
Robinson did not hesitate. He offered to donate a piece of his liver to save his friend. And he was a match with the same blood type.
Koonce and Robinson
"I think it was a spiritual thing," he said. "I always had love for the brother. And I could see something was wrong. I could see it in his eyes."
The life-saving operation was performed on Valentine's Day at a Cleveland hospital. Robinson will be in recovery for six to eight weeks. For Koonce, it will take about six months.
"I am so truly grateful for the gift of life that God has offered through my friend, Steve Robinson, who decided almost within the very minute that he learned of my disease to step up and do whatever he could to help me," Koonce said.
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
Cockatiel Keeps Owner Awake With Earth, Wind & Fire Performance
Meet Bruce: The Mysterious Cat With A Unique Coat
The Cat At This AirBnB Leads Guests On Memorable Hikes Along The Appalachian Trail
Woman Announces Her Passing On LinkedIn, Her Message Is Spreading Far And Wide
The World's Most Expensive Cow Sells For Over $4 Million
Mom Asks For Help After Husband Suggests The 'Worst Name Ever' For First Child
Teddy Has Had Enough! Baby Has Hilarious Reaction To 'Happy Birthday' Song
Simon & Garfunkel Sing 'Baby Got Back' Instead Of 'Sound Of Silence' In Hilarious Mashup
Wild Crow Becomes Little Boy's Self-Appointed Godfather
Dad With Triplets Conquers Home Depot
Mom Knows Best: Baby Bever Tries To Swim, Gets Sent Back To His Room