A Friendship That Became a Lifeline

Approximately 15 years ago, Penny Pysher, Amy Recker and Mary Ann Cali worked side by side in healthcare together. While Mary Ann served as their manager, the relationships they built went far beyond the workplace: they became trusted colleagues and cherished friends. Amy remembered she was trying to manage a difficult situation at work, and Penny came to her rescue with a sympathetic shoulder and comforting words. 

That moment was etched into Amy’s mind when she learned her friend’s illness had taken a turn for the worse.

Penny has polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a hereditary disease that had affected her family for generations. There is currently no cure other than dialysis or a kidney transplant. Three of Penny’s siblings also have PKD, and both her mother and brother battled the disease and endured dialysis before they died.

“Over time, my kidney function continued to decline until I realized a major decision had to be made,” says Penny, who works as a care continuum partner in hematology oncology at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Hecktown Oaks, part of Jefferson Health. “Unfortunately, no one in my immediate family was able to be a kidney donor.” 

Not wanting dialysis, Penny talked extensively with her medical team and finally agreed to be placed on the transplant list. There were times when it seemed a transplant might happen, but circumstances prevented the surgeries from moving forward. Meanwhile, Penny’s friends were paying attention and staying in touch, even after Amy moved to Texas for three years, then back to the Lehigh Valley. 

Mary Ann, clinical manager working alongside Penny in hematology oncology at LVH–Hecktown Oaks, decided to spread the word about finding a living donor for Penny. “Over my 47 years of nursing, I have always thought of my staff as family. I care deeply about their well-being and have always made it a priority to support, guide and be there for them. They are like my children.”  

She put a post on social media showing Penny with her grandchildren and the rest of her family. Amy, now a clinical manager for another organization, saw the post.

Amy originally wanted to be an anonymous donor but later sent Penny a message so she could stay in touch and know how Penny was doing. In part, her message said:

“When I saw Mary Ann’s social media post, I was instantly drawn to get tested to be a donor for you. I have always felt like you were like my work mom and guardian angel when I was a ‘baby nurse.’ You made such an impact on me then and as we continued to stay in touch all these years.”

Amy went through testing and was ecstatic to find out that she was a direct match. The surgeries were conducted two hours apart at Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence, part of Jefferson Health. 

All went smoothly, according to transplant surgeon Brian Chen, MD, with LVPG Transplant Surgery–1250 Cedar Crest, who removed Amy’s kidney. Transplant surgeon Ashraf Reyad, MD, put Penny’s new kidney in place. George Rofaiel, MD, Chief, Section of Transplantation Surgery, who was out of town at the time, also took part by way of remote monitoring with real-time audio and video. “I could see the entire procedure and assist Drs. Chen and Reyad as they conducted it,” Dr. Rofaiel says.

Amy went home on the day of the surgery and Penny went home the day after.

Penny couldn’t be more grateful for all those who came to her aid. She personally thanked her family, friends and co-workers, her transplant team and especially Amy, for her “remarkable generosity and selfless gift.” “Without Amy, none of this would have been possible,” Penny says. “Now I can spend time with my grandchildren, go to the beach, go fishing and camping. I’m up for anything.”

Amy, a mother of 11-year-old twin girls, is also doing well. When asked why she came forward to help her friend, she says, “Because it was Penny.” She says she feels great and wouldn’t change a thing about the experience. Penny’s surgical team is also pleased. 

“With the expertise inherent in our transplant program, we were able to give Penny a new chapter and more years with her family,” Dr. Chen says. “We had more than 20 clinicians in the operating room that day who all contributed to saving Penny’s life. It’s always a rewarding feeling to give patients a new, happy beginning.” 

The three friends will be reinforcing their bond of friendship and support of kidney medicine when they take part in the 2026 Philadelphia Kidney Walk, Oct. 25 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. It raises funds that power research, drive earlier diagnoses and bring better treatments to people fighting kidney disease.