On His 49th Birthday, His Sister Saved His Life: 'How Can I Ever Repay That?'

May 19, 2026

A New York man received the ultimate birthday gift this year: a second chance at life from the sister who has always looked out for him.

Credit : NYU Langone Health

On February 2, Troy Rowe walked into NYU Langone Health alongside his older sister, Kim Rowe, for a surgery that would forever change both of their lives. It also happened to be Troy’s 49th birthday.

The siblings entered the hospital “arm-in-arm” as Kim prepared to donate one of her kidneys to her younger brother after learning she was a rare and highly compatible match.

Troy’s health problems first surfaced in 2024 during a routine physical exam, when doctors discovered his kidney function was declining. As his condition worsened, he eventually began the process of joining the national transplant waiting list.

Things became more urgent in March 2025 when Troy met with nephrologist Dr. Lionel E. Desroches at NYU Langone for additional testing. After reviewing the results, the doctor became deeply concerned and instructed Troy to head straight to the emergency room.

Troy was later diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease caused by hypertension. He soon began dialysis and reached out to family and friends in hopes of finding a donor match.

Because Troy has B positive blood, which is less common, finding a compatible donor was expected to be difficult.

That's when Kim stepped forward.

Credit : NYU Langone Health

Once Kim learned she was a match, she says there was never any doubt about what she wanted to do.

“Once I found out that I was a match, there was no hesitation at all,” Kim told People. “I’m just so grateful and blessed that I could do this for him.”

Before being cleared for surgery, Kim underwent extensive medical evaluations, including a physical exam, colonoscopy, and mammogram to ensure the donation would be safe for both of them.

When the procedure was ultimately scheduled for Troy’s birthday, the family saw it as more than coincidence.

“We took it as a good sign and a blessing,” Kim said.

For Troy, the moment brought overwhelming relief and hope after months of uncertainty.

“Asking someone to donate an organ to you is not an easy thing,” he said. “So for her to agree and be a match was the best feeling in the world.”

The transplant surgeries were successful, and during recovery the siblings stayed in constant contact before reuniting again to celebrate Kim’s birthday the following month.

Now several months after the operation, Troy says he feels like himself again. Kim has also recovered well and says she would do it all over again without hesitation.

“I can’t say it enough — I wouldn’t change it for the world,” she said. “I’m grateful to have been the match for him, and a great match!”

The experience has only strengthened the bond the two already shared growing up.

“I’ve always looked after my baby brother,” Kim said. “Seeing the life in his face, it means everything.”

Reflecting on the life-changing gift, Troy summed it up simply:

“She gave me a second chance at life — how can I ever repay that?”