Huntsville man donates kidney to stranger + finds new cause to support

Huntsville resident and business owner Win Keller was listening to one of his favorite podcasts a few months ago when one particular segment of the episode motivated him toward a selfless act of kindness.

The podcast, “We’re Here To Help,” is hosted by Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds and is based on the premise of finding solutions to unusual problems presented by callers to the show.

One episode featured a caller who was complaining that her husband kept eating popcorn (in bed, mind you) and wanted to know how to fix this problem. After a light-hearted round of discussion, the caller also said her husband was seeking a kidney donor. This is what motivated Win to step up.

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Helping a stranger prompts activism

Win was introduced to Alexson and Whitney Arana. Alexson received a kidney transplant several years ago, but after a series of health issues—including brain cancer and surgery—his transplanted kidney had started to fail. Win told them, “I have a kidney, you can have it!”

Unfortunately, Win’s kidney was not a match for Alexson, but he found he could still donate his kidney “on behalf of” Alexon, which means a note goes in Alexson’s file saying he can receive the next kidney that comes up as a match for him.

Win got the call in July that his kidney was needed, so he went to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for the procedure.

This is where he discovered what all goes into kidney donation, beyond just the operation. The tests, doctor’s appointments, travel and counseling involved are aspects of the process that often aren’t factored in.

Win said while he was compensated for his travel and time, that is not the case for the recipients of organ donations.

Whitney and Alexson started the Arana Kidney Recovery Foundation which helps people who have received kidney transplants handle the aspects of the surgery people don’t always notice.

The organization raises money to cover the cost of everyday life—lodging, gas, groceries, childcare and lost wages—that occur during the transplant and recovery process.

Win has become a champion for this cause.

“All of my stuff—travel, appointments, hotel stays—I didn’t pay a dime for it. But the people who receive a kidney transplant, there is nothing in the way of support for them before or after the surgery.”

_{Win Keller}

Win said he is recovering well—albeit slowly—from the procedure, a process that involves a lot of sleep and “taking it easy,” so to speak.

“I’m not going to lie and say it has not been painful. that’s definitely part of it. But I have done a lot of sleeping, a lot of resting. I’m not saying it has been ‘fun,’ but it has been relaxing.”

_{Win Keller}

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