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A life-saving bond was constructed at McIntosh Excessive. Athletic Director Leon Hammond has been in want of a brand new kidney, and Alan Reeves, a former Chief himself, stepped as much as the plate.
Lured to the college library on the ruse he was being celebrated for his latest win as Area Athletic Director of the Yr, Hammond rapidly came upon he was a a lot greater winner. Household and buddies from the college system and neighborhood had been there for the ceremony, and all of it clicked when Reeves handed him a letter explaining he was giving him a kidney.
As Reeves held up a “Kidney Buddies For Life” shirt, Hammond embraced him, and there wasn’t a dry eye within the room.
“I simply thought we had been having our common Tuesday admin assembly,” stated Hammond. “I had no clue, truthfully. I’m feeling so comfortable and blessed. I can’t thank him sufficient.”
Now with the USA Secret Service, Reeves served as McIntosh’s college useful resource officer for three years within the 2000s, and the college all the time held a particular place in his coronary heart.
“I all the time wished to provide again to McIntosh, I simply didn’t know that is how,” stated Reeves. “I really feel like I’m at a degree in my life the place I might be right here and bodily be capable to do one thing like this. I’m blessed already, and I hope that my youngsters will see that this life is extra than simply about your self.”
There have been hints that one thing is likely to be coming for Hammond. He had been taking a look at getting magnets for his automobile to encourage individuals to contact him about donating a kidney. His contact at Piedmont Fayette Hospital stated she wouldn’t spend some huge cash but if it had been her.
“She stated wait.”
Fortunately for Hammond, the wait wasn’t lengthy. Occurring the nationwide ready record can imply a few years of ready. In Might of this yr he was informed it was time to start out on the lookout for a kidney, and he was formally listed in October. Now, he’s slated to get his new kidney from Reeves in February.
“I’m simply fortunate,” he stated. “It’s a blessing.”
McIntosh Principal Maggie Partitions performed grasp of ceremony, briefly honoring Hammond for his athletic director award earlier than handing it over to Reeves.
“I used to be thrilled past measure that I received to be a small a part of Leon’s special occasion. We have now all been praying that he would discover a match quickly, and, when Alan reached out to me, it was all I may do to maintain all of it collectively and to maintain it a secret,” stated Partitions. “I am keen on Leon and his candy household. I do know what a blessing this can be to all of them.”
She was particularly happy to see members of the McIntosh household, even ones that by no means labored collectively, bonding.
“I really like the guts of this neighborhood. I inform individuals on a regular basis that the perfect a part of McIntosh is the assist that you simply really feel as a member of this neighborhood, and I truthfully imply it,” she stated. “McIntosh is a particular place for our college students, our academics, and our city.” — Story and images supplied by the Fayette County Faculty System.
Hammond (middle) reads the letter telling him that Reeves (proper) is giving him a kidney as McIntosh Principal Maggie Partitions (left) appears to be like on.
— to news.google.com
