Colorado woman donates a kidney to save her prom date from 35 years ago

Later this week, Pennsylvania physician, Dr. Shawn Moyer, will receive a much-needed kidney transplant thanks to a unique chain of generosity that began with his former prom date.

After attending prom together 35 years ago, Elena Hershey, now a teacher in Colorado, stepped in when she learned Moyer needed a kidney. Although she wasn’t a direct match, she donated through a paired exchange program, securing Moyer a compatible kidney from another living donor.

Moyer, who previously received transplants at 16 and again 20 years later, found himself in need once more, but without a donor. Hershey was already planning to donate and was grateful to be able to direct her donation to help an old friend. Her contribution ensured that Moyer would receive a transplant within six months instead of waiting years on dialysis.

Hershey describes the surgery as a simple decision, and she experienced minimal discomfort and was able to return to her daily activities quickly. She hopes her story will encourage others to consider living kidney donation, stressing its life-changing impact with relatively little sacrifice. Moyer expressed deep gratitude for her selfless act, calling it a remarkable gesture that will likely sustain him into his 70s.