Patriots quarterback Tom Brady tried unsuccessfully to find a kidney for his mentor Tom Martinez, who died earlier this year while awaiting an organ donation. Thanks to Brady’s efforts, however, at least one other person will not perish.
According to NECN.com, 48-year-old Peter Hughes has donated a kidney to a woman he didn’t know.
Hughes used the Matching Donors website, promoted by Brady. And Hughes was found to be a match for Asja Bethiel, a mother of two.
“Had it not been for that particular article,” Hughes said in reference to Brady’s effort to find a kidney for Martinez, “I probably wouldn’t have done it.”
It’s an amazingly selfless act. Few would happily give a kidney to a family member; the idea that Hughes would give one to a complete stranger sends a powerful message that, even if it doesn’t prompt many others to do the same, should at least inspire the rest of us to treat each other a little better.