'Inspired By Life,' Man Saved By Kidney Transplant Spotlights Awareness

SOUTHOLD, NY — A man whose life was saved after his wife's childhood best friend donated her kidney will remain forever grateful.

And now, Matthew Botchler has created a new Facebook contest featuring his beautiful wood carvings as a way to raise awareness during National Kidney Month in March and in April, National Donate Life Month — so that the lives of others might be saved.

"I'm hoping to do a giveaway for one of my wood-turned pieces. To enter or be eligible you have to be a registered organ donor in the state you live in. Also show proof of that and, by the end of month, I'll put all the names in a bowl and do a Facebook live, pick the name, and announce it," he wrote on his Facebook page.

Botchler said his goal for the March contest is to create awareness surrounding kidney disease and the importance of kidney health.

"I wanted to reward those you who help spread this awareness by giving them one of my hand turned woodworking pieces, which is made by someone who has survived kidney disease and a kidney transplant," he said.

And, he said, since April is Organ Donor Awareness month, "I will be doing another contest in April for which people who are registered organ donors — they must provide proof that they are organ donors— will be entered into the contest to be eligible for one of my hand turned wooden bowls."

Botchler was facing the most terrifying challenge of his life when he found himself in need of a kidney. He and his then-fiance Megan McIver— the two were married in October — worked to spread the news of his story in a desperate race for time.

And then, her childhood best friend — a lifetime bond was formed in Southold — Alexandra Lawson stepped up to donate the kidney that gave Botchler a second chance and life and love.

In past years, he's found deep meaning and inspiration in woodturning, or using a wood lathe with hand-held tools to cut the wood, creating beautiful, one-of-a kind pens, wine stoppers, bowls and other pieces.

Bringing awareness to kidney disease is a mission to which he's devoted his life, Botchler said.

"It is critical because by raising awareness and educating people, not only can they prevent themselves from getting kidney disease, but they can also be advocates for others. Most people do not know they are in kidney failure until it is too late and must be put on dialysis to live. Regular check ups with your primary care doctor assist in identifying signs that your kidneys might be failing," he said.

Working with his hands has brought deep peace, even during the darkest of days before his transplant, Botchler said.

"Woodworking is my outlet to handling my illness, my pain and my stress. It distracted me, and took me to another place, a place away from pain, fear, and the unknown. It allowed me to tap into my creative side, provide me freedom from my illness and gave me the control, which I lacked in my life, to make and design, one of a kind, unique wooden art that is decorative and/or functional. It provided me with a purpose in life when I was restricted from doing most things."

"I felt that the wood symbolized me. I was given a second chance at life and to become something more"

Reflecting, Botchler, when asked why he chose woodworking as an outlet, said, "Maybe it was because when I saw a dead tree, a fallen limb, or chopped firewood, I could envision it being much more than it was. I felt the need to give it a new life, a new purpose; something that can be used, or is just beautiful and admired by others for years to come. Maybe in some way, I felt that the wood symbolized me. I was given a second chance at life and to become something more. One of my good friends gave me the idea to use 'Inspired by Life' Woodworking — and how fitting it was."

In his desire to help others, Botchler speaks to others in kidney failure and provides insight in finding their own kidney donor and being an advocate for themselves and others. He also participates in the yearly National Kidney Foundation's Long Island Walk to help raise awareness and support others in fighting their own battles against kidney disease.

In his woodworking, Botchler finds a way to pour his heart and soul into something lasting. "That is why I call it 'Inspired by Life' woodworking. Because my journey and life in general has inspired me. I also want to leave behind something one day that all can appreciate forever — to pass on my work, maybe for others to enjoy."

Botcher, who is aiming to build a business out of his woodworking hobby, said he's passionate about his craft and uses his spare to time to hone his skills and develop his style.

"I also want to let others know that just because you're sick, it does not mean you can't do things. Try and find a hobby or passion that will take your mind off of what you maybe going through, or your pain. I just want to inspire others."

McIver and Lawson have been friends since meeting as children in Southold. And in 2015, Lawson gave McIver the greatest gift of all, when she donated her kidney to McIver’s fiance, Matthew Botchler — saving his life.
In 2016, McIver is planning her magical wedding and the couple married in October in perhaps the happiest of all endings.

It’s a story of deep friendship, abiding love, and the prayers of a community that stood strong for the couple while the search for a kidney commenced.

Botchler was in Stage Four kidney failure and in a race against time when her lifetime friend stepped up and learned she was a match.

By sharing his story, Botchler hopes to shed light on the benefits of organ donation, and to inspire hope in those battling kidney disease, encouraging them to “keep up the fight.”

He’s even had friends and co-workers change their status on their drivers’ licenses to state that they are organ donors.
“Every day is a blessing,” Botchler said. “I thank Alex for giving me a second chance at life.”

Patch photos courtesy of Megan McIver and Matthew Botchler.