Forsyth County firefighter gets second chance with new kidney from sister
By Kaitlyn Ross
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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. (WXIA) — A Forsyth County firefighter who has been fighting kidney disease since May has received a lifesaving gift from his sister.
Chris Stancel, who has served his community as a firefighter and first responder for 25 years, was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney disease caused by a rare genetic condition. He had been working with Piedmont Hospital’s transplant team searching for a living kidney donor.
Now, thanks to his sister Katie, Stancel has received a new kidney and a second chance at life.
Their mother said it best: “They were raised, you take care of your people.”
And that’s exactly what Katie did, stepping forward in an act of love and courage that saved her brother.
For years, Stancel rushed toward danger when others ran away, offering help and hope during people’s most terrifying moments. When he needed help, his sister answered the call.
More than 90,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for a kidney transplant. According to the American Transplant Foundation, every nine minutes someone is added to the national organ transplant list, and 16 people on that list die every day.
Living organ donations can significantly cut wait times for patients while offering the best chance for long-term success.
Chris and Katie’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of family, selflessness, and hope. From the operating room to recovery, they walk forward together — connected in the most literal way, carrying a piece of each other.
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