They were both widowed young, left to raise children alone, carry the weight of grief, and somehow start again. But through love and one selfless act set off a butterfly effect that would forever reshape three families.

Kim and Steve, both widowed in their 30s and raising young kids, found love again after unthinkable loss. Just as they began building a new life together, a letter arrived from Kim’s college friend Melinda. She was in urgent need of a kidney transplant.

Melinda, Kim’s longtime friend from Stanford, was battling polycystic kidney disease and facing the terrifying reality of organ failure. Kim stepped forward without hesitation. But in a twist no one saw coming, it was Steve, Kim’s new husband, who turned out to be the perfect match. Having already watched his own children lose their mother, Steve couldn’t bear to see another family endure the same heartbreak. His decision to donate a kidney gave Melinda the gift of life—and her children the gift of more time with their mom.

In this unforgettable episode of Call Me Friend, host Daryn Kagan shares a powerful true story of loss, love, and how one remarkable gift didn’t just save a life. It created a legacy of love that will ripple for generations. Through that single, selfless decision, their lives became permanently entwined, blended by love, bonded by gratitude, and a profound reminder of the butterfly effect of kindness—how one act of compassion can echo across families, lifetimes, and every life it touches.

TIMESTAMPS:

• (00:00) Steve reflects on why he volunteered to donate a kidney to Melinda
• (01:20) Daryn sets the stage with a college reunion reflection
• (03:30) Introducing Melinda and their college friendship from Branner Dorm
• (05:21) Melinda opens up about her polycystic kidney disease diagnosis
• (07:12) Writing the letter to ask for a live kidney donor
• (09:30) Kim receives the letter—and decides to step up
• (10:54) Kim and Melinda’s college roommate connection
• (13:00) Kim’s journey through loss and single parenting
• (15:06) Steve’s story: losing his first wife and raising kids alone
• (17:00) The moment Steve and Kim met—an unexpected match
• (22:00) Receiving the letter and deciding together to help Melinda
• (24:45) Friendly competition: whose kidney will be selected?
• (26:30) The emotional night before the transplant
• (28:00) Post-op transformation: Melinda’s recovery and new life
• (30:44) How do you say thank you for a kidney?
• (34:00) Post-traumatic growth, chosen families, and lifelong bonds
• (39.38) Phone a Friend- Kimshi
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• True friendship is showing up especially when it’s inconvenient, complicated, or uncertain.
• Live organ donation is an act of radical generosity with long-lasting impact.
• Shared grief and resilience can create unbreakable bonds between friends and families.
• There’s power in asking for help and in the beautiful surprises that follow when we do.

RESOURCE LINKS:

• Learn about kidney donation: https://www.kidney.org/transplantation
• Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation: https://pkdcure.org
• Miss Lou’s Cabin:airbnb.com/h/mslouscabin
• Call Me Friend Hotline: 912-766-0446 Call Daryn, leave a message, let her know about one of your friends who would make a great story.
• Daryn’s Book: Hope Possible: A Network News Anchor's Thoughts On Losing Her Job, Finding Love, A New Career, and My Dog, Always My Dog https://amzn.to/3GPcicB

GUEST BIOS

Melinda Myers Cook – A Stanford alum and longtime community volunteer, Melinda faced a life-threatening illness with grace, courage, and a rare gift for friendship. Her story is one of vulnerability, resilience, and hope.

Kim Laughton – A lifelong friend of Melinda and fellow Stanford grad, Kim faced her own deep loss as a widow and single mother. Her decision to step forward in Melinda’s time of need is a reflection of the heart she brings to every relationship.

Steve Maupin– Kim’s husband and kidney donor to Melinda. After losing his first wife to cancer, Steve’s act of donating a kidney is a powerful example of compassion, perspective, and purpose-driven living.

TAGS:

Kidney Donation, Organ Transplant Story, Polycystic Kidney Disease, Live Donor Transplant, Stanford Alumni, Grief Recovery, Friendship Podcast, Blended Families, Medical Miracles, Call Me Friend Podcast, Daryn Kagan, Inspirational Podcast, Resilience, Emotional Healing, Real Life Heroes