A boy band cruise could soon save a life. Self-proclaimed “Blockhead” and local doctor Christina Meyer hasn’t missed a New Kids on the Block cruise since they first set sail in 2008. “I’ve been a fan since I was like 13,” Meyer told 12 News Friday. “I love their music, and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve actually gotten to meet them. They’re just really great guys. They really care about their fans.”It was on the most recent cruise, a sign on board caught the local physician’s attention. “There’s the lido deck, which is where a lot of the parties happen and fans will put up different banners along the lido deck, Meyer explained. “Theresa had a banner up that said she was looking for a kidney donor.””I thought I could put my banner on the lido deck and maybe somebody would see it,” Theresa Crockett said. Crockett, of Orange County, California, has polycystic kidney disease. In need of a kidney transplant, she used the cruise as a chance to try and find a donor. It worked. “Was it a tough decision for you?” 12 News Hannah Hilyard asked Meyer. “No, actually it wasn’t, no,” she replied.After upwards of ten months of testing, Meyer and Crockett learned they were a match. Both women will have surgeries on the same day at the end of August. Meyer’s surgery will be first at Aurora St. Luke’s in Milwaukee. Her kidney will then be flown from Milwaukee to California. The two now taking it ‘Step by Step’ together thanks to their favorite band, who is aware of the situation.”I actually just met Donnie at the Iowa State Fair this past weekend, and I told him that we have a surgery date, so he’s very excited and very supportive,” Meyer said. “She is family now. She is our family,” Crockett added. “Another bucket list I have is when this is over like next tour, next May, to be with her at a concert and celebrate together.”Meyer said this is the second time the boy band has helped connect a transplant patient with a donor. They’re hoping one more is in the cards as Crockett’s sister also needs a new kidney. If anyone is interested in helping her, click here. Crockett said her name is Sandy Henson, and her birthday is Aug. 11, 1967.
A boy band cruise could soon save a life.
Self-proclaimed “Blockhead” and local doctor Christina Meyer hasn’t missed a New Kids on the Block cruise since they first set sail in 2008.
“I’ve been a fan since I was like 13,” Meyer told 12 News Friday. “I love their music, and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve actually gotten to meet them. They’re just really great guys. They really care about their fans.”
It was on the most recent cruise, a sign on board caught the local physician’s attention.
“There’s the lido deck, which is where a lot of the parties happen and fans will put up different banners along the lido deck, Meyer explained. “Theresa had a banner up that said she was looking for a kidney donor.”
“I thought I could put my banner on the lido deck and maybe somebody would see it,” Theresa Crockett said.
Crockett, of Orange County, California, has polycystic kidney disease. In need of a kidney transplant, she used the cruise as a chance to try and find a donor. It worked.
“Was it a tough decision for you?” 12 News Hannah Hilyard asked Meyer.
“No, actually it wasn’t, no,” she replied.
After upwards of ten months of testing, Meyer and Crockett learned they were a match. Both women will have surgeries on the same day at the end of August. Meyer’s surgery will be first at Aurora St. Luke’s in Milwaukee. Her kidney will then be flown from Milwaukee to California.
The two now taking it ‘Step by Step’ together thanks to their favorite band, who is aware of the situation.
“I actually just met Donnie at the Iowa State Fair this past weekend, and I told him that we have a surgery date, so he’s very excited and very supportive,” Meyer said.
“She is family now. She is our family,” Crockett added. “Another bucket list I have is when this is over like next tour, next May, to be with her at a concert and celebrate together.”
Meyer said this is the second time the boy band has helped connect a transplant patient with a donor. They’re hoping one more is in the cards as Crockett’s sister also needs a new kidney. If anyone is interested in helping her, click here. Crockett said her name is Sandy Henson, and her birthday is Aug. 11, 1967.
