Kim Goode has spent much of her life overcoming challenges.
At 18, she was diagnosed with stage IV cancer and underwent a bone marrow transplant after chemotherapy was unsuccessful. In the years that followed, she endured more than a dozen hip surgeries, including two hip replacements in her early twenties, and later survived two heart attacks.
Then came another obstacle: kidney failure.
About five years ago, Kim learned her kidney function had dropped to just 20 percent. As her condition worsened, she became increasingly fatigued and struggled with fluid retention.
"I was so tired all the time," Kim said. "I was taking naps constantly and knew something wasn't right."
After being placed on the kidney transplant waiting list, Kim underwent dialysis for about three months while hoping for a donor.
The answer came from someone she had known for decades.
Kim's longtime friend Lisa Sharland first met her in high school. The two bonded over their shared love of music and remained in contact throughout the years.
When Kim posted on Facebook that she needed a kidney transplant, Lisa immediately reached out.
"Lisa was the first one to offer," Kim said.
From her home in Rhode Island, Lisa began the donor evaluation process with support from the transplant team at HCA Florida Largo Hospital, which coordinated much of her testing locally before she traveled to Florida for final evaluations and surgery.
For Lisa, the decision was simple.
"She never complained," Lisa said. "No matter what she was going through, she never complained. We need more Kims in the world."
While becoming a living donor required travel, surgery, and several weeks of recovery, Lisa says she had tremendous support system who helped manage responsibilities at home during the process.
On September 10, 2025, Kim received Lisa's kidney.
Today, both women are thriving. Kim is back to enjoying the things she loves most, including spending time outdoors, kayaking, and caring for her animals.
For Lisa, donating a kidney has had little impact on her daily life—but it made all the difference in Kim's.
"It really hasn't changed my overall life at all," Lisa said. "But it changed hers."
Their story is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of living donation and the extraordinary friendships that can carry us through life's greatest challenges.