Man survives transplant during pandemic

Man survives transplant during pandemic

During this during this pandemic... we've tried to find the good that's happening around the wabash valley.

Look no further than daviess county where one man saved his neighbor's life by donating his kidney.

New for you at 6... news 10's dominic miranda traveled to montgomery to learn more about this heartwarming story.

Do} tony duncheon went into his doctor for routine blood work three years ago.

After some tests... his doctor told him he better start looking for a kidney donor.

Waiting for a deceased donor may take 3 to 4 years.

After waiting and waiting... duncheon finally found what he was looking for -- right down the road.

Pk} tony duncheon knew he had to finally go public with his situation.

After more than 2 years of waiting... he needed a live kidney donor.

He was amazed by the number of people willing to help him out in his montgomery community... but he didn't have to look far after all.

Ken delaney -- duncheon's neighbor -- heard about the situation through his daughter... and threw his "kidney" in the ring.

"i said "hey, tell him to put my name in there."

And to be honest with you i didn't think anything of it because i just didn't think i would ever be chosen "kenny stepped up... took all the tests... and a few other people did, too... but he was what was called the perfect match so he got the nod.

*laughs*" it was decided.

On may 6th... i-u health in indianapolis performed the first kidney transplant since covid-19 hit the state.

Both men say the doctor's took extra precautions and they felt like it couldn't have gone smoother.

"i'm doing great.

Still just a little bit of soreness but very little.

I'm doing fine."

/// "still got some recovery to do but i'm feeling really good.

All my numbers are good so he gave me a flying high kidney because it's working well."

Duncheon says the message he wants to send with this story -- is to pay it forward.

"i owe everything to kenny here because i'm back to normal and i am deeply thankful for him and the process went great."

"i just thought you know i've got two good ones....tony has none.

And i wouldn't think much of myself if i kept these and not share."

Do} delaney says don't be nervous to donate a kidney during covid-19 or anytime.

They say it's a smooth, easy, and gratifying process.

Back to you.