Two state employees have something in common beyond their work at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Freida Booth – Pitts, assistant manager of the North Henrico branch of DMV, was in desperate need of a kidney transplant.  Three years ago, she had been told that dialysis was imminent, and she began peritoneal dialysis in 2016.  Now the future had arrived, and it looked bleak unless she could find a kidney donor

Sandy Bloxom, a co-worker at the same facility, stepped up to the plate and donated a kidney for Freida that was a perfect match.  There was one hitch – Sandy was a smoker and the doctors had said her lungs were not strong enough for surgery. So she quit smoking, again.  Sandy underwent another test and was finally cleared for surgery. By this time she had moved to the West End DMV branch.

Freida is now recovering from her transplant in June 2017, which was a six-hour surgical procedure.  Both Freida and Sandy say that this experience has made them a part of each other, just like family.

There are several lessons from this story. 

First, get that annual routine wellness check-up! And be sure you have a primary care doctor. Your life could be at stake.

Second, stop smoking!  If you need help, it’s there from ActiveHealth’s healthy lifestyles program or from the CommonHealth wellness program.

Third, always value your co-workers – you never know when you may find a best friend. And maybe even someone who makes a sacrifice to save your life.