Forever Bonded: Franklin Mom Donates Kidney To Stranger

FRANKLIN, NJ — Franklin Township mother of two Erika Twine is forever bonded with a stranger she met through Facebook after she donated her kidney to help save her life.

"I’ve successfully donated my kidney to someone who started off as a stranger on Facebook and now through this process has become family," Twine said.

Aria Brown of New York City was diagnosed with lupus five years ago. Her kidney then began to fail and Brown took to Facebook for help.

Twine came across Brown’s story and reached out.

"I messaged her and said, 'You don't know me but I connected to your story and I want to help," Twine said.

Twine got tested and found she was a match. They met up and that's when Twine knew this was something she had to do.

"I looked at her and her mom. Mom to mom I gave her my word that I would save her daughter's life," Twine said. "She should have the chance to get married, have kids all the things I have experienced."

Last week Twine went into the hospital and said she was not nervous at all.

"I was looking for the nerves and jitters to come and none of that came," Twine said. "When I am in the dentist's chair I am sweating bullets but in the hospital I was in so much at peace."

The kidney surgery was on Feb. 11 and it took. Brown and Twine are recovering well.

"The kidney is amazing," Brown said. "I was literally dancing two days after the surgery."

Since meeting online the two have become "sisters" who talk everyday over the phone.

"God blessed me with her and she saved my life," Brown said.

"I just want her to live her life as best as she can. I gained a little sister," Twine said. "She gained a kidney and I gained a family."

"There is no way to thank this lady," Brown said. "I just keep thanking her every day."

Twine is sharing her story because she is hoping to inspire others to get tested to help save another life.

To learn more about organ donation visit njsharingnetwork.org/organ-donation.

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