A Hike To Remember: Utah Woman Donates Kidney To Stranger She Met On Y Mountain

September 27, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Provo, Utah.

A chance meeting on Y Mountain in Utah led to a life-saving gift for a man in need.

Krissy Miller, 49, from Provo, was hiking the popular trail in September 2023 when she crossed paths with Shiller Joseph, 45, from Florida. As the two struck up a conversation during their hike, Miller learned that Joseph had been on the kidney transplant waiting list.

Moved by his story, Miller—mother of four—made a spontaneous yet life-altering offer: she would donate one of her kidneys.

What started as a conversation between two strangers soon blossomed into a profound connection. After the hike, Miller and Joseph stayed in touch, and tests revealed something remarkable—they were a perfect match. As a gesture of her life-changing decision, Miller surprised Joseph with what he thought was a box of rolls. Tucked inside was also a note informing him that she would be his kidney donor.

This week, the two reunited at Intermountain Health in Murray after a successful surgery. Joseph, now with a renewed sense of health and hope, expressed immense gratitude for Miller’s selflessness. Their extraordinary bond, forged on a mountain trail, is a testament to the power of human kindness and the miracles that can come from unexpected encounters.