FORESTVILLE, N.Y. (WBKW) – Two women in New York now share a special bond after meeting in a tavern in New York.
Kate Marsh had been in dialysis for kidney failure for several years.
However, one takeout order placed at Tavern on the Mall would change her life forever.
For most people, hanging out at a bar is for getting some wings, beer and letting off steam.
For Marsh, a bar was where she found her lifesaver.
After starting dialysis in 2020, Marsh was introduced to someone at the tavern who volunteered to donate a kidney to her after the restaurant and bar’s owner asked patrons for their blood types.
Teacher Allison Kwilos just so happened to share the same blood type as Marsh: O-Positive.
Even crazier, in the hamlet of Forestville with a little more than 500 people, Kwilos and Marsh had never met before.
“Never crossed paths until then. It was just incredible. Gave me hope,” Marsh said.
On May 20, Kwilos gave up a kidney for Marsh, giving her a piece of her own life and a little extra.
“There’s just so much life to live and she gave me it, and without a thought. She didn’t know me,” Marsh said.
For her selflessness, Kwilos’ kindness has been honored with a tree outside of her window at the elementary school where she teaches.
The tree is also meant to encourage others to live their lives like Kwilos.
“Living in a small town like Forestville. We have to be there for each other through the highs and the lows,” Kwilos said.
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