Last spring, agent Cindi Fox, CLU, CLF, LUTCF, President Council, Milwaukee Office donated her kidney to a complete stranger—and she couldn’t be happier. “Everyone was kind of floored when they found out it wasn’t for someone she knew,” says Chris Torola, Development Manager, Milwaukee Office.

Fox is known for her giving spirit and boundless charity work. For that reason, this incredible and selfless act is completely on brand for her.

New York Life agents know how to step up

It all started when Fox attended Council recently. There, she heard about a New York Life agent who needed a kidney, Radha Thapa, Executive Council, New Hampshire Office, and Kelly Dyer Rawlings, President’s Council, New Hampshire Office who was a match and volunteered to donate hers. This made such an impact on Fox that, later on, when her client and friend was in need of a kidney as well, she knew exactly what she needed to do.

Fox began the screening process to make this donation to her friend. “I felt strongly after going through the journey and watching what their lives are, and what their quality of life is, and what the need is,” she says. But, before all the medical testing was complete, the friend received an organ from someone else. Cindi’s donation was no longer needed.

After seeing firsthand how the loss of kidney function dramatically limits one’s quality of life, Fox understood the urgent need for living donors. “Everybody doesn't realize all the dialysis centers are full,” Fox says.

According to organdonor.gov, an overwhelming 85% of the 104,000 people on the national transplant waiting list need kidneys. Already aware of this great need through her own personal experience, Fox made the decision to continue with the donation process knowing her organ would go to a complete stranger.

The procedure itself was a huge success. “My surgeon had gotten notice from the surgeon in New York State that it is the most beautiful kidney that fired up—so happy and functioning immediately, no dialysis, no nothing. I gave somebody the gift of quality of life,” says Fox.

Information can save lives

When Fox initially volunteered to donate, she was met with some resistance from family. “My brother was adamant I shouldn't do it because I have two kids, 11 grandkids, a husband—what about them?” Because of her donation, Fox has priority access—if she or her immediate family—ever needs a kidney.

She believes most people’s hesitation may come from a lack of understanding. “That is one of my new missions is trying to help other people get informed and empower them with information to make good decisions.”

Part of that mission is to educate others on the benefits of becoming a living organ donor. “I don't think people realize God gave us two kidneys and we literally only need one.”

A reflection of New York Life’s values

Fox is currently recovering at home, but will be ready to get back to spreading awareness for living donors soon. In the meantime, her colleagues couldn’t be any prouder of her. “She embodies the mission at New York Life and the goal of helping and handling grief. She really is amazing,” remarked Edward Brenmark, CLU, CLF, LUTCF, Managing Partner, Milwaukee Office.

Acknowledging the personal yet selfless nature of Fox’s giving, Yogesh Khatri, MBA, Executive Council, Milwaukee Office said, “We all give for charities, however, what Cindi has done is just outstanding. She has given part of her to save someone else. That is selfless giving. Proud of you Cindi.”

For those interested in becoming a living organ donor, New York Life has started a grant in support. Please contact TK at TK to find out more.