SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton: When Carol Met Cindy 20 Years Ago, She Had No Idea Cindy Would One Day Save Her Life.

Press release from SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton:

August 3, 2021

It’s a story that has come full circle, starting 20 years ago. When Carol Patrylo met Cindy Mueller while working for Lindbergh School District in St. Louis, she had no idea she had made a friend for life – and better yet, a friend who would one day save her life.

"We instantly became best friends,” Carol said.

Six months after meeting Cindy, Carol’s son Todd, a Lindbergh High School graduate, died tragically in a car accident at the age of 19 – he was struck by a drunk driver. Todd was a registered organ donor and knowing that even after life he was helping others gave his mother some small comfort.

In her grief, Carol leaned heavily on her new friend Cindy to help her get through some of the most difficult times of her life and they made it through together. Carol started volunteering for Mid-America Transplant, while Cindy felt inspired by Todd to register as an organ donor herself – not knowing 20 years later they would be drawn together for a similar purpose.

In April 2020, Carol found herself in need of a new kidney due to her Stage 5 kidney disease, and Cindy was the first to step up to see if she would be a match – and she was!

"Part of God’s plan when He united our hearts over two decades ago was revealed to us,” Cindy said. “He knew that we were a perfect match.”

Carol received the best Christmas gift of all in December 2020 – a kidney from her best friend Cindy. For Cindy, her gift was in the giving.

“I have my best friend for a while longer,” she said.

Learn more about how living organ donation can save lives.

This press release was produced by SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.