A retired firefighter's life has been saved through a chain of extraordinary events involving the generosity and support of a fellow first responder.
Retired FDNY Lieutenant Kevin Williams received a life-saving kidney transplant earlier this year thanks to another of New York's bravest, Thomas Hoey.
'I was just stage 5 and I was figuring that I wasn't going to be around much longer. So this changed everything,' Williams, who served at Ladder 112 in Bushwick, Brooklyn, New York told ABC7.
While Hoey did try to donate his kidney to Williams initially, it was discovered he wasn't a match - but the attempt was not for nothing. Williams was boosted up the top of the transplant list and was able to be saved by another donor.
In the lead-up, Williams' prognosis was grim and his condition had reached a critical point, leaving him in dire need of a transplant. Around the same time, retired firefighter Hoey was facing his own health decline.
He tragically died in May but was determined to ensure his passing would help others and designated his organs to be donated to a firefighter in need. His decision came to light through Kristina Moon, founder of the Billy Moon Foundation, which supports organ donation in honor of her late husband.
The life of retired firefighter Lieutenant Kevin Williams has been saved through these extraordinary events involving the FDNY community.
'I had a lot to be thankful for this year. More than usual,' he said in a deeply emotional moment at Ladder 112.
'There was no pain... just joy. Knowing I have a lot more living to do, it's all thanks to them,' he said.
And while Hoey's kidney was not a match for Williams, his organs still went on to save three other lives. His daughter Lauren paid tribute: 'Him being able to save somebody even in his death is just exactly what he did during the time he was alive.'