Community can be often demonstrated through random acts of kindness. In this specific story, the random act of kindness is a donated kidney given by a local resident.

Ray Branstetter, a local outdoorsman, has been waiting for a kidney donation for over nine months ever since he was cleared for it after kidney failure. There was hope when PHS alumna Sasha Barrus donated a kidney to Ray. 

“I decided to donate when Ray’s daughter shared a link to fill out a form for donation,” Barrus said. “I saw it…and I knew I had a universal blood type so I thought, why not fill it out and see. I have two kidneys, and you can live a long and normal life with one, so why not try and help someone? So, I filled out the form that day and got a call later to start further testing.”

All was well was all in high spirits with the news of a potential donor. Unfortunately, Sasha’s kidney was not the right match, so the donation was not completed.

“When I went down to Denver, I was cross-matched for Ray,” Barrus said. ”They told me I could not donate for him because of the size difference between us. Essentially, my kidney was too small for him.”

Ray is currently undergoing dialysis still in hopes of a kidney transplant. After the donation to Ray was unsuccessful, Sasha’s kidney became available. Just a couple days later, another kidney transplant was needed for someone else, who must remain anonymous due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) restrictions.

“I think she is a brave person for donating,” sophomore Gavin McDonald, Sasha’s nephew, said. “I was worried for the first few days, but she healed up good and is doing just fine now. I’m proud of her.”

Going through this journey opened up many eyes to this side of life. Vanna Branstetter, Ray’s wife, has been by his side every step of the way.

“This made us so much more aware of the need for organ donations,” Branstetter said. “This helped grow our appreciation for health professionals, especially our dialysis nurses. It shows the love and support we have from our families, friends, community, and even complete strangers.”

Donating is often pushed aside and not seen as top priority. Being in a smaller community helps pass the word around when someone is in need. This experience has shown the impact something or someone can have on a community.

“Donating is extremely important, and it’s important to know that you will live a normal life with only one kidney,” Barrus said. “In fact, there is a statistic that says a kidney donor can actually live a longer life than someone who has not donated. But truly, if you can help save someone’s husband, wife, mother, father, brother, sister, or anything, why would you not? We should always give more that we receive.”