In the know.

When Wendy Vaughn’s then-boyfriend, Jimmy Schulz, needed a kidney last year, she didn’t hesitate. “He had already lost a kidney and had a transplant done back in 2005,” she recalled. “It was time for another transplant, and I wanted to help.” As it turns out, that act of love from Vaughn, the Life Enrichment Coordinator at The Langford, ended up impacting more lives than she could have imagined.

“I was a match but something in my blood meant it wouldn’t work in Jimmy’s case,” she shared. “I ended up donating to another individual and his mother donated to Jimmy.” This meant her selfless act saved two lives instead of one. “I learned a lot about the donation process and how matching really works,” she said. “It’s much more complex than you might realize.”

Today, Jimmy is doing great and is married to Wendy. “Life is good, really good,” she stated. “We’ve also kept in touch with the other family and they, too, are doing remarkably well.” Wendy also has a message for anyone considering donating an organ, especially a kidney. “It’s a very easy process and the difference you can make is unimaginable,” she said. “I don’t notice any difference and my husband’s life is full again. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Vaughn said her role at The Langford helps her to continue being generous with her time. “I love planning and coordinating activities for our residents,” she said. “It’s my way of continuing to put faith into action in all aspects of my life.”

Written by Jeff Bell