A frequent flyer received life-saving assistance from an unexpected source when Delta Air Lines employee Jill Hickey donated a kidney to Bruce Gamble, a long-time traveler and consultant. Gamble, who has been flying out of Birmingham, Alabama, since the late 1980s, learned in November 2022 that he needed a kidney transplant. His health struggles included a long-standing battle with Type 2 diabetes, which led to declining kidney function.
With a waiting list of three to five years for a deceased donor, Gamble faced the reality of being too old for surgery by the time a suitable kidney might become available. He realized he needed to advocate for himself, prompting conversations about organ donation wherever he went, including his regular stops at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.
“I just need to find a kidney donor,” Gamble recounted telling those who asked about his health. This openness sparked interest among the Delta employees who regularly interacted with him, including Hickey, a part-time agent with four years of experience at the airline.
Compassionate Response from Delta Employees
Hickey, 57, was moved by Gamble’s situation and, alongside a coworker, decided to get tested for compatibility. Despite her family’s initial concerns, they ultimately supported her decision. As an elementary school teacher, Hickey had encountered students who needed organ donations, which deepened her desire to help someone in need.
Gamble expressed his disbelief when he learned that Hickey was a match. “I was just speechless at that point,” he said, acknowledging the profound impact of her generosity. Kidneys from living donors are known to function better immediately and often last longer than those from deceased donors, with an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
Over two years, multiple individuals had volunteered to be tested, but none were found to be compatible. Hickey became the eleventh person to step forward, and the compatibility test confirmed that she was a perfect match.
Life-Changing Surgeries and New Beginnings
Both Gamble and Hickey underwent surgeries in December 2024. During the procedure, doctors identified complications with Hickey’s blood vessels that could have led to future health issues, resulting in a longer but successful surgery.
In the months following the transplant, the two families grew closer, even sharing a trip to California where they bonded over Gamble’s passion for animation art. Hickey expressed how this experience inspired her teaching, showcasing the ripple effect of their connection.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, the need for kidney transplants is critical, with approximately 90,000 people currently on the transplant waitlist. In 2023, only around 27,000 individuals received kidney transplants, with roughly 6,300 coming from living donors like Hickey.
After their surgeries, both Gamble and Hickey returned to their routines, with Gamble semi-retired and continuing to train at car dealerships, while Hickey taught gifted children and worked at Delta in the evenings.
Hickey noted the remarkable transformation in their relationship. “We were strangers at first, but we’re more like family now,” she shared, emphasizing the deep bond forged through this life-changing experience. Their story serves as a testament to the power of compassion and the life-saving impact of organ donation.
