Heroes of hope: Nurses who give the gift of life

This week, we honor the extraordinary acts of kindness and compassion demonstrated by our nurses across the region. Three remarkable nurses from AdventHealth Avista's surgery center have embarked on the life-changing journey of kidney donation, going well above and beyond their calling to care for others.

Stephanie Paciotti: A Bond Forged in Friendship

On May 7th, Stephanie Paciotti will donate her kidney to her friend, Piper. Their friendship blossomed through their daughters, who are classmates at school. Over time, Stephanie and Piper grew closer, but it was Piper's health crisis last summer that truly bonded them. Piper faced a life-threatening situation, and her recovery has been nothing short of miraculous. Despite her progress, Piper's kidneys still aren’t functioning at a sustainable level. She has been on dialysis for a year, hoping for a match from the mere 8% of the population her body will accept.

Many people stepped up to help, but unexpectedly, Stephanie turned out to be Piper's one and only match. The whirlwind of preparation and emotion has been intense, but Stephanie's determination to give Piper more precious time with her children has been unwavering. Living donation offers not just a second chance at life, but a fuller, freer one.

Stephanie's journey has shown her the extraordinary power of hope, connection, and love. She is honored to be part of Piper's story and encourages others to consider organ donation. One of her favorite quotes reads: "One act of kindness won’t change the world, but it may change one person's world."

Mark Boulware: A Son's Gift

Mark Boulware is in the process of donating his kidney to his mother, who suffers from kidney failure. Both Mark and his sister were tested to be donors, and Mark turned out to be a close match. While the transfer date is yet to be finalized, Mark is excited about the opportunity to improve his mother's quality of life. His desire to help others has always been strong, even from a young age when he opted to be an organ donor on his drivers license.

As a nurse and massage therapist, Mark has always wanted to heal people, and donating his kidney is another way to fulfill that calling. His advice to potential donors is simple: "If you want to donate, do it because you want to."

Mark plans to continue living his best life while giving his mother the chance to do the same.

Carly Decker: A Selfless Act

In late 2023, Carly's family friend, 15-year-old Asia, was suffering from an autoimmune disease that attacked her kidneys and other organs. She was in desperate need of a kidney transplant. Asia endured numerous surgeries, including a kidney transplant from a deceased donor, which her body unfortunately rejected.

Carly began testing to see if she could be a match for Asia. Although initial results were promising, further tests revealed that Asia's body would likely reject Carly's donation. Undeterred, Carly donated her kidney to someone else in need on behalf of Asia, placing Asia at the top of the recipient list when her perfect match becomes available. Carly's selfless act has given Asia hope for a brighter future.

Carly quickly recovered from the surgery and feels completely back to normal. She was pleasantly surprised by how safe and straightforward the donation process was, emphasizing that donors and recipients are thoroughly screened to ensure safety. Carly's kidney was a perfect match for someone in Pennsylvania.

As a mother of three young boys, Carly reflects on the importance of giving, saying, "If my boys needed something and another person could help, I would do anything for that gift." Carly feels healthy and strong, with her labs showing normal results and her remaining kidney compensating perfectly. She continues to be amazed by the impact of organ donation.

Carly stays in touch with Asia's family, receiving updates that express gratitude for Asia's beautiful life and all the possibilities ahead.

“As a pre-op and PACU nurse I have a greater appreciation of what my patients are experiencing on their own surgery day,” said Carly. “It is such an emotional day for them and their loved ones and one of the most important of their lives! Having been on the other side, I intentionally try to approach their nursing care with even more respect, understanding and compassion.”

These stories of Stephanie, Mark, and Carly exemplify the incredible spirit of giving that defines our nurses at AdventHealth Avista. Their selflessness and dedication inspire us all to consider how we can make a difference in the lives of others.

We are profoundly grateful for all of our nurses who tirelessly give their all, embodying the true spirit of compassion and dedication every single day

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a living kidney donor at AdventHealth Porter, please visit: Liver and Kidney Transplant Center | AdventHealth Porter