Vicki Smith, a clinical program senior advisor at Cigna Healthcare, faced a life-threatening challenge when diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, which is a rare genetic condition that causes cysts to grow on the kidneys and liver. Over time, her liver expanded to 17 pounds, compressing one of her lungs and leaving a transplant as her only option.

Her coworker, Lindy LaValley, responded without hesitation when Smith shared her need for a donor. LaValley immediately volunteered to become a living donor, motivated by a lifelong desire to help others.

“I could not be more thankful,” Smith said. “She was put in my life for a reason.”

In February, surgeons at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center performed a successful transplant, transferring part of LaValley’s liver to Smith. The donated organ began functioning right away, marking a turning point for both women.

“I’ve always been a nurturer, a caretaker,” LaValley said. “I don’t have children. This, to me, is my way of giving life.”

Today, Smith and LaValley share more than a workplace – they share a bond forged by courage and kindness. Their story highlights the impact of organ donation and the strength found in community. For LaValley, the experience was profound. “If this is what a mother feels like the first time she sees a child, it was just unreal,” she said. “It was the best day of my life.”

Smith feels the same. “I wouldn’t be here without you,” she told LaValley. “If it had gone any other route, things would have ended very differently.”

For more information on organ donation, visit Donate Life America.